This medication is used to treat high pressure inside
the eye (due to conditions such as certain types of glaucoma) and other eye
problems (such as accommodative esotropia). It works by causing the pupil
to shrink, decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye, and affecting
certain eye muscles.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually once or twice a day.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your
eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply
gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from
draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps
for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1
drop.
Remove extra solution around the eye with a tissue, and
wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Do not rinse
the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before using the other
medication. Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use more often than
directed by your doctor. Doing so may increase the risk for serious side
effects.
Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye,
temporary blurred vision, eyelid muscle twitching, poor vision in dim
light, headache, or brow ache may occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain
- flushing
- diarrhea
- nausea
- irregular heartbeat
- stomach/abdominal pain or cramps
- increased saliva
- increased urination
- unusual sweating
- vision changes
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using echothiophate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- asthma
- epilepsy
- other eye problems (such as iritis, uveitis, detached
retina)
- heart disease (such as heart failure, recent heart
attack)
- low or high blood pressure
- myasthenia gravis
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Parkinsonism
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, spasms)
- certain urinary problems (such as blockage)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred or unstable. Vision in dim light may be affected. Do
not drive (especially at night), use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
Avoid exposure to insecticides. Some types of
insecticides may increase the risk of certain side effects. If you have
contact with insecticides, wear a mask and/or gloves and wash or change
clothing often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased saliva,
irregular/slow heartbeat, nausea, diarrhea, increased
sweating.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you are prescribed this medication on a once- or
twice-daily schedule and miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you
miss a dose while using this medication on another schedule besides a daily
one.
Store upright at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
Discard any unused portion after 4 weeks. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.