Medications
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MIOTICS
Commonly Used Drugs
Pilocarpine (Isoptocarpine) 1%, 2%, 4%, 6% (Pilopine gel) 4%, Ocusert
Carbachol 0.75%, 1.5%, 3%
Echothiophate (Phospholine Iodide) 0.06%, 0.12%, 0.25%
Uses of This Medicine
Miotics are used to lower eye pressure in eyes with glaucoma. They may be used alone or in combination with other medications. Miotics lower eye pressure by pulling on the muscles around the drainage system thereby increasing the drainage of aqueous (eye fluid) from the eye.
Before Using This Medicine
Be sure to tell your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to any medicine
- Are pregnant or breast feeding
- Are taking other prescription or non-prescription medications
- Have any other health problems
One drop in the affected eye as directed. Most of these drops are used from every 12 to every 6 hours, depending on the medication, and depending on your doctor’s instructions. Do not try to catch up on missed doses by applying more than one dose at a time
Side Effects
(this is a list of the most common side effects; for a complete list, see the insert provided with your medication)
Stinging and burning may occur after instillation of these eyedrops. Headache around the eye and eye strain, which is due to pulling of the muscle inside the eye, may occur for the first few days after beginning this type of medication. This headache usually lasts for a couple of hours. Difficulty in reading, redness in the eye, and nearsightedness may also occur in some individuals. Dimness of vision may also occur temporarily after use of these drops, particularly in older patients and in persons with cataracts. A very rare but serious potential side effect is the development of retinal detachment.
Overdosage may result in rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Special Precautions
Unexplained flashes of light or an increase in the usual number of floaters seen from an eye may be an early symptom of retinal detachment. If these symptoms occur, call your eye doctor immediately.
You must keep your regularly scheduled appointment with your eye doctor so the effect of this medicine can be monitored. All medicines should be taken exactly as prescribed. If you experience any problems with this medication, call your doctor immediately.
