physostigmine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

physostigmine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Eserine Sulfate Ophthalmic

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

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any decrease in vision or an increase in "floaters" in your visual field. Rarely, physostigmine 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 tube opening to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The tube opening 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. Physostigmine ophthalmic may cause decreased vision at night. If you experience decreased vision, avoid these activities.

What is physostigmine ophthalmic?

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

Physostigmine ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma by lowering pressure inside the eye.

Physostigmine ophthalmic is not commercially available in the United States.

Physostigmine 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 physostigmine ophthalmic?

Rarely, physostigmine 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 physostigmine ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Physostigmine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether physostigmine ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether physostigmine passes into breast milk. Do not use physostigmine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.