MIOKARPIN

This medicine contains the active ingredient pilocarpine, which is a miotic. These medicines have the effect on the muscles in the eye causing the pupil of the eye to get smaller, so that the accumulated liquid can drain out of the eye. This medicine is used to treat certain types of glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), especially acute angle-closure glaucoma, and to reverse the effects of eye drops which cause the pupil to become bigger. By lowering the size of the pupil, pilocarpine reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.

Is Pilocarpine suitable for me?

Pilocarpine is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to pilocarpine or to other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have inflammation of the iris, or some forms of glaucoma
• if you are wearing soft contact lenses

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have any type of heart problems
• have breathing problems
• have problems in passing urine
• have high blood pressure
• have a stomach ulcer
• have Parkinson’s disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Pilocarpine interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Pilocarpine?

This medicine is available in form of eye drops.

You should take pilocarpine exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• For the treatment of glaucoma, the usual dose is one or two drops every six hours.
• The usual dose to reverse the effects of eye drops which cause the pupil to become bigger is one drop every 5 minutes until the pupil is normal.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Pilocarpine side effects?

Like all medicines pilocarpine can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• itching
• smarting and a burning sensation around the eye
• a red skin rash with itching
• temporarily blurred vision
• temporary short sightedness
• difficulty in seeing in poor light
• enlargement of the veins in the eye
• headache and brow ache

Rare:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• increase in saliva
• increased flow of tears
• trembling or shaking

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.