How it works: Pilocarpine reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that can drain from the eye.
Cautions: The dropper opening is sterile, so don’t touch it to any surface, including eyes or hands. If it becomes contaminated, it may cause an infection in the eye.
More Information:
Brand Name Isopto-Carpine (Alcon), Pilostat (Bausch and Lomb)
Generic Name Pilocarpine (pie-low-car-peen)
What is the most important information I should know about pilocarpine ophthalmic: Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including eyes or hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it may cause an infection in the eye. Pilocarpine ophthalmic is available by prescription as a dropper bottle containing a 2% solution. The usual dose to treat primary glaucoma in dogs is 1 drop in the effected eye(s) 3 times a day. Pilocarpine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What is pilocarpine ophthalmic: Pilocarpine ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that can drain from the eye. Pilocarpine ophthalmic causes the pupil to become smaller reducing the eyes response to light or dark conditions. Pilocarpine ophthalmic is a prescription medication used by veterinarians to treat primary glaucoma in dogs. Pilocarpine ophthalmic may also be used before or after eye surgery.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before applying pilocarpine ophthalmic: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had any type of retinal disease, retinal tear, or, if the pet has had cataract surgery. These conditions may increase the risk of retinal detachment. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has had heart failure, high or low blood pressure, asthma, stomach ulcer, epilepsy, hyperthyroid, blockage of the urinary tract, or difficulty urinating. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating or if you plan on breeding your pet.
How should this medication be used: Use pilocarpine ophthalmic exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including the skin or eye. The dropper tip is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use the eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store pilocarpine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped. Discard any unused medication on the expiration date.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Flush the pet¿s eye with water and seek emergency veterinary medical attention. Symptoms of a pilocarpine ophthalmic overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation, watering mouth, and tearing eyes.
What should I avoid while using pilocarpine ophthalmic: Pilocarpine Ophthalmic may cause decreased vision in poor light. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eyes and hands. The dropper tip is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the pet¿s eye. Avoid other eye medications unless your veterinarian approves.
What are the possible side effects of pilocarpine ophthalmic: Rarely, pilocarpine ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can lead to blind spots, floaters in the visual field, and even blindness. Your veterinarian will want to check the pet's retina before use of this medication to determine if there is an increased risk of retinal detachment. If your pet experiences and of the following serious side effects, stop using this medication and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, face or tongue, or hives); diarrhea; watering mouth; urinary incontinence; muscle weakness; difficulty breathing; or an irregular heartbeat. Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue applying pilocarpine ophthalmic and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has; burning, stinging, red, or tearing eyes; eyelid muscle twitches. Side effects other than those listed may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your pet.
What other drugs will affect pilocarpine ophthalmic: Before using this medication, tell your veterinarian if your pet is using another eye medication, especially if it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as flurbiprofen (Ocufen), diclofenac (Voltaren), or ketorolac (Acular). Drugs other that those listed in this guide may also interact with pilocarpine ophthalmic. Talk to your veterinarian and pharmacist before using any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about pilocarpine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution is a prescription miotic eye drop used in dogs to treat canine primary glaucoma.
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Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this product for dogs.
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Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution reduces pressure by increasing the amount of fluid that can drain from the eye.
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Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution causes the pupil to become smaller reducing the eyes’ response to light or dark conditions.
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Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution may also be used before or after surgery.
Tip: Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including skin or eye. The dropper surface is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection of the eye.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The dose used to treat primary glaucoma in dogs is 1 drop in the effected eye(s) 3 times a day. Do not use the eye drop if it is discolored or has particles in it
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
Pilocarpine Ophthalmic Solution:
Ingredients (per mL):
Amount
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride
20 mg
Preservatives Added
Benzalkonium Chloride
0.01%
Other Ingredients: Monobasic Sodium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Edetate Disodium, Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, Purified Water. Sodium Hydroxide and/or Hydrochloric Acid may be added to adjust pH.
Pilocarpine eye drops are used in the treatment of glaucoma. Pilocarpine tablets is most often used in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome where saliva is not produced.
That depends on what's causing them. Have your veterinarian look at your dog's eyes. It may be nothing or it could be the sign of allergy or infection.
My dog has dry eyes and I tried different medicines. Recently, the vet prescribed Pilocarpine to be mixed in his food 2 times a day. I am concern that this might make my dog feels even worst.
Using pilocarpine eye drops by mouth is a treatment for "dry eyes". The medication may make your pet feel worse initially because the dose is usually increased up to the point that the dog develops symptoms such as drooling or diarrhea. The dose is then reduced to where the symptoms disappear.
Strange as it sounds, the answer is yes. Veterinarians do sometimes prescribe pilocarpine by mouth, usually twice a day. Follow your veterinarians directions very carefully as side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, or drooling can occur if too much is used.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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