epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

E-Pilo-1, E-Pilo-2, E-Pilo-4, E-Pilo-6, P1E1, P2E1, P3E1, P4E1, P6E1

What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any decrease in vision or an increase in "floaters" in your visual field. Rarely, pilocarpine ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can lead to blind spots, floaters in your 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 drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic may cause blurred or decreased night vision. If you experience blurred or decreased vision, avoid these activities.

What is epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic?

Epinephrine ophthalmic reduces congestion in the eye by constricting blood vessels in the eye. It also enlarges the pupil, and it reduces the amount of fluid in the eye in two ways: It reduces the production of fluid inside the eye, and it increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

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

Together, epinephrine and pilocarpine are used to lower increased pressure in the eye that may be caused by conditions such as open-angle glaucoma and ocular (eye) hypertension (high pressure).

Epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic is not commercially available in the United States.

Epinephrine and pilocarpine 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 epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic?

Epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic should not be used to treat narrow- or shallow-angle glaucoma.

Rarely, pilocarpine 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,

• high or low blood pressure,

• ever had a heart attack,

• asthma,

• a stomach ulcer or stomach spasms,

• epilepsy,

• hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid),

• blockage of your urinary tract or difficulty urinating, or

• Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to use epinephrine and pilocarpine 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 epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

It is not known whether epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether epinephrine and pilocarpine passes into breast milk. Do not use epinephrine and pilocarpine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.