To be injected into the eyes, pilocarpine ophthalmic is available in a 1, 2, and 4% solution (liquid). To treat presbyopia, pilocarpine ophthalmic (Vuity) is available as a 1.25% solution that is injected into the eyes. One drop of the 1, 2, or 4% solution is often injected into the afflicted eye(s) up to four times per day to treat glaucoma or ocular hypertension. One or two drops of the 1, 2, or 4% solution are often injected into the afflicted eye(s) 15 to 60 minutes prior to surgery to avoid or lessen elevated pressure in the eye during and after some forms of laser eye surgery. Presbyopia is often treated by injecting one drop of the 1.25% solution (Vuity) into the afflicted eyes once each day. If there is anything you do not understand about the instructions on your prescription label, contact your doctor or pharmacist to clarify it. Take pilocarpine eye drops precisely as prescribed. Use only as directed by your doctor, either in the recommended amount or frequency.

Your problem will be controlled but not cured with pilocarpine eye drops. Even if you feel well, continue to use pilocarpine eye drops. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop using pilocarpine eye drops.

If you need to apply another topical eye treatment, do so at least 5 minutes before or after applying pilocarpine eye drops.

Avoid letting the bottle’s tip come in contact with your face, fingers, eyes, or any other surface. Bacteria might enter the eye drops if the tip does come into contact with another surface.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• With your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• For two minutes, place a finger on the tear duct and gently press down.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• Clean your hands to get rid of

Before using pilocarpine eye drops,

• If you have any allergies, including to pilocarpine, other medicines, or any of the chemicals in pilocarpine eye drops, notify your doctor right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• While using pilocarpine ophthalmic, be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know what prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal items, and nutritional supplements you are currently taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• If you suffer acute iritis (uveitis; swelling and inflammation inside the eye) or a retinal detachment, let your doctor know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using pilocarpine eye drops.
• You should be aware that you shouldn’t use pilocarpine eye drops when wearing contacts. Before applying pilocarpine eye drops, take out your contact lenses; you can re-insert them after 10 minutes.
• You should be aware that pilocarpine eye drops can impair vision, particularly at night or in low light. Driving at night or engaging in risky activities in low light requires caution. The drug pilocarpine may potentially impair vision. Driving or using heavy equipment should be avoided if eyesight becomes hazy.

If you forget to take a dose, do so as soon as you remember. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never apply or administer a second dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Side effects from pilocarpine eye drops or eye gel are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Distorted or poor vision
• Pain, stinging, or burning in the eyes
• Redness or itching of the eyes
• Tear-producing or swollen eyes
• Headache

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Quick onset of floaters, flashing lights, or vision loss
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep the medication safely out of children’s reach and in the container it came in. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. To determine how you will react to pilocarpine eye drops, your doctor will prescribe specific eye tests.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.