Pilocarpine Solution

Pilocarpine is a miotic agent (one that causes constriction of the pupil of the eye) used to treat canine primary glaucoma. It can also be used before or after eye surgery. Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

Dogs

• Relieves pressure in your pet's eye
• Dropper bottle for ease of administration

Pilocarpine reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that can drain from the eye.

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.

Isopto-Carpine (Alcon), Pilostat (Bausch and Lomb)

Pilocarpine (pie-low-car-peen)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.