What is the most important information I should know about echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
You should not use this medicine if you have an eye condition called uveitis, or if you have angle-closure glaucoma (such as narrow-angle glaucoma).
What is echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
Echothiophate iodide reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. This also causes the pupil to become smaller, reducing its response to light or dark conditions.
Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat glaucoma, especially after cataract surgery. This medicine is also used to treat certain eye-focusing disorders.
Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
You should not use echothiophate iodide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- an eye condition called uveitis; or
- angle-closure glaucoma (such as narrow-angle glaucoma).
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- myasthenia gravis;
- low blood pressure or slow heartbeats;
- asthma or other breathing disorder;
- stomach ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- Parkinson's disease;
- a history of cataract surgery or eye problems;
- a history of problems with your retina (the membrane layer inside your eye that helps produce vision); or
- if you have recently had a heart attack.
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to insecticide poisons (carbamate or organophosphate types) while you are using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic. Breathing in or absorbing these chemicals through your skin can increase certain side effects of the medicine. Wear a protective mask and clothing if you work with insecticide chemicals while you are using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether echothiophate iodide ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether echothiophate iodide ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
Your doctor will perform an eye examination to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic can affect your pupils, which may cause temporary vision problems. Use this medicine at bedtime to make these problems less bothersome. If you use this medicine twice per day, use your second dose at bedtime.
Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Throw away any unused echothiophate iodide drops after 4 weeks.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
Avoid wearing contact lenses while inserting the eye drops. Ask your doctor how long after using the medicine you should wait before putting in contact lenses.
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
What are the possible side effects of echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe eye redness, small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye;
- vision problems, seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision;
- fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats;
- muscle weakness, trouble breathing;
- increased salivation, heavy sweating, diarrhea; or
- loss of bladder control.
Common side effects may include:
- blurred vision;
- stinging or burning after using the eye drops;
- watery eyes, twitching eyelids;
- pain above your eyes; or
- red or puffy eyelids.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on echothiophate iodide used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about echothiophate iodide ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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