Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: PILOCARPINE - OPHTHALMIC OCULAR SYSTEM (pie-low-KAR-peen, off-THAL-mick OCK-you-lurr system)

BRAND NAME(S): Ocusert Pilo

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication reduces pressure in the eye. It is used to treat glaucoma.

HOW TO USE: To apply the system, wash hands first. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the system into the pouch. Blink a few times and roll your eye to move the insert into place. Practice inserting and removing the system in the doctor's office where you can be shown the proper technique. Damaged or deformed systems should not be used or kept in the eye. Replace with a new system.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, brow ache, temporary burning or stinging, or increased mucus production may occur initially. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: changes in vision, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased salivation, diarrhea. Also contact your doctor if blurred vision persists more than several hours in the morning after bedtime use. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: other eye problems, asthma, intestinal disease, ulcers, low or high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland, seizures, Parkinson's disease. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor or dentist that you use this medication. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This medication may cause vision problems in poor light. Use caution especially when driving at night. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.