Pilocarpine

Ophthalmic pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Pilocarpine is in a class of medications called miotics. It works by allowing excess fluid to drain from the eye.

How should this medicine be used?
Ophthalmic pilocarpine comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes and as an eye gel to apply to the eyes. The eye drops are usually instilled two to four times daily. The gel is usually applied once daily at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use pilocarpine eye drops and eye gel exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Pilocarpine eye drops and eye gel control glaucoma but do not cure it. Continue to use pilocarpine eye drops or eye gel even if you feel well. Do not stop using pilocarpine eye drops or eye gel without talking to your doctor.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.

Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.

While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.

Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.

Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.

While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.

Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.

Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.

Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a...