Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Isopto Carpine Used For?
Isopto Carpine is an eye drop medication that helps treat glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can damage your vision if left untreated.
Primary Uses
Isopto Carpine is used to treat glaucoma, an eye condition that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma is usually caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye, often associated with increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve.
How It Works
Isopto Carpine eye drops help lower increased eye pressure by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye, reducing the pressure that can damage your optic nerve.
How to Take Isopto Carpine
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using these eye drops. Proper technique is important for the medication to work effectively.
Dosage Instructions
Use 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) 3-4 times daily. Remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. Wash hands thoroughly, shake bottle well, tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid to form a pouch, place tip close to eye without touching, release one drop, close eye gently, and press finger against inside corner of eye for 2 minutes. Wait at least 5 minutes before using other eye drops. Discard 4 weeks after opening.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular timing.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to avoid contamination.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Eye pain
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Vision problems
- Reduced vision
- Redness of the eyes
- Headache
- Feeling that something is in your eyes
- Eyelid swelling
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Blurred vision with flashes of light and headache
- Presence of shapes or dots in your vision with flashes of light
- Dark shadow or blurry area in your vision with flashes of light
- Small moving spots in your field of vision
- Signs of allergic reaction including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, rash, or hives
Important Warnings
Before using Isopto Carpine, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Isopto Carpine
Do not use if you are allergic to Pilocarpine hydrochloride or any ingredients. Do not use if you have eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. Do not use if you have conditions that cause pupillary constriction (pinpoint pupils). Not recommended for children unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: asthma, stomach or intestinal ulcers, thyroid problems, stomach cramps, trembling or rigid posture, difficulty urinating, recent heart attack, high or low blood pressure, retina problems, cornea diseases, or eye inflammation with pink/red discoloration.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Avoid use during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor as Isopto Carpine may affect breast milk production. Your doctor will advise you about possible risks and benefits.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Alcohol & Driving
Isopto Carpine can affect your vision and ability to perform certain activities safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Isopto Carpine affects you. The medication may cause blurred vision and difficulty adjusting from bright light to darkness. Take extra caution while driving at night or performing hazardous tasks in poor light conditions.
Storage
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Discard 4 weeks after opening.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Isopto Carpine, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. If you accidentally use several drops in your eyes, wash your eyes with lukewarm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by increasing fluid drainage from the eye to reduce pressure. You may feel initial discomfort or slight burning shortly after use, but this should subside. Contact your doctor if discomfort continues.
Remove soft contact lenses before using Isopto Carpine. The ingredient benzalkonium chloride may cause eye irritation and discolor soft contact lenses. Wait 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your lenses back in.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with regular timing. Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and speak to your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to stop taking any of your medicines.
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from light, moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and discard 4 weeks after opening.
If you use too many drops, wash your eyes with lukewarm water and seek urgent medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department immediately.
Some people experience an unpleasant taste when using these eye drops. To minimize this, press your finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 2 minutes after using the drops to prevent the medicine from draining to your nose and throat.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.