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Ocu-Carpine

Brand Names

; Adsorbocarpine® Ophthalmic ; Akarpine® Ophthalmic ; Isopto® Carpine Ophthalmic ; Ocu-Carpine® ; Ocusert Pilo-20® Ophthalmic ; Ocusert Pilo-40® Ophthalmic ; Pilagan® Ophthalmic ; Pilocar® Ophthalmic ; Pilopine HS® Ophthalmic ; Piloptic® Ophthalmic ; Pilostat® Ophthalmic ; Salagen® Oral

Foreign Brand Names

; Minims® Pilocarpine (Canada)

Therapeutic Categories

Cholinergic Agonist; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma; Ophthalmic Agent, Miotic

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to pilocarpine or any other part of the medicine.

What is this medicine used for?

• Oral:
  • This medicine is used to treat dry mouth caused by radiation; therapy for head and neck cancer; dry mouth and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in Sjögren's syndrome.
• Eye:
  • This medicine is used for the treatment of glaucoma.

How does it work?

• Oral:
  • Pilocarpine increases saliva and fluids in the eye.
• Eye:
  • Pilocarpine lowers intraocular pressure.

How is it best taken?

• Oral:
  • Take as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
  • Do not touch the bottle or tube tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Solution:
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes before using the next.
• Gel:
  • Apply as a 1/2 inch ribbon inside lower lid.
  • Close the eye for 1-2 minutes. Roll eyeball around.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Use caution if you have lung disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Be careful in hot weather.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Sweating.
• Nausea.
• Runny nose.
• Flushing.
• Frequent urination.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Decreased night vision. Use caution when driving or doing tasks that require clear vision. Keep work area well light.
• Eye:
  • Stinging or burning.
  • Tearing.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Flushing or sweating that you are not able to tolerate.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).