demecarium bromide ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

demecarium bromide ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Humorsol Ocumeter

What is the most important information I should know about demecarium bromide ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any decrease in vision or an increase in "floaters" in your visual field. Rarely, demecarium bromide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can lead to blind spots, floaters in the visual field, and even blindness. Your doctor will want to check your retina before you use this medication to determine if you have an increased risk of retinal detachment.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each application to prevent the medicine from draining down the tear duct.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Demecarium bromide ophthalmic may cause decreased vision at night. If you experience decreased vision, avoid these activities.

What is demecarium bromide ophthalmic?

Demecarium bromide ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. Demecarium bromide ophthalmic also causes the pupil to become smaller and reduces its response to light or dark conditions.

Demecarium bromide ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma by lowering the pressure inside the eye. Demecarium bromide ophthalmic is also used for other conditions that require increased fluid outflow from the eye, after surgical iridectomy, and for certain eye disorders involving eye accommodation (focusing).

Demecarium bromide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using demecarium bromide ophthalmic?

Rarely, demecarium bromide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Tell your doctor if you have any type of retinal disease, if you have had a retinal tear, if you are nearsighted, or if you have had cataract surgery. These conditions may increase the risk of retinal detachment.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have heart failure,

• have high or low blood pressure,

• have ever had a heart attack,

• have asthma,

• have a stomach ulcer or stomach spasms,

• have epilepsy,

• have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid),

• have blockage of your urinary tract or difficulty urinating, or

• have Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to use demecarium bromide ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying demecarium bromide ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Demecarium bromide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use demecarium bromide ophthalmic if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether demecarium bromide passes into breast milk. Do not use demecarium bromide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.