ANTIGLAUCOMA, SHORT-ACTING (Ophthalmic)

Brand & Generic Names

Ayerst Epitrate	Isopto Carbachol
CARBACHOL	Isopto Eserine
DIPIVEFRIN	L-Epinephrine
Epifrin	Miostat
Epinal	Mytrate
EPINEPHRINE	PHYSOSTIGMINE
Eppy/N	Propine
Eserine	Propine C Cap B.I.D.
Glaucon	Propine C Cap Q.I.D.

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes, some are
• Drug class: Antiglaucoma (ophthalmic)

Uses

Treats glaucoma (open-angle, secondary, angle-closure during or after eye surgery).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Eye drops
Wash hands.
Apply pressure to inside corner of eye with middle finger.
Continue pressure for 1 minute after placing medicine in eye.
Tilt head backward. Pull lower lid away from eye with index finger of the same hand.
Drop eye drops into pouch and close eye. Don't blink.
Keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Eye ointment
Wash hands.
Pull lower lid down from eye to form a pouch.
Squeeze tube to apply thin strip of ointment into pouch.
Close eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
Don't touch applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). If you accidentally touch tip, clean with warm soap and water.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep cool, but don't freeze.
Wash hands immediately after using.

When to use:
As directed on label.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Inactivates enzyme and facilitates movement of fluid (aquemous humor) into and out of the eye.

Time lapse before drug works:
10-30 minutes.

Don't use with:
Any other eye medicine without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Headache, stinging, burning, watery eyes.

Infrequent:

Eye pain, changes in vision, blurred vision.

Rare:

Faintness, increased sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat, paleness.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to any eye medicine for glaucoma.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you plan to have eye or dental surgery.
• If you have any eye disease.
• If you have heart problems or high blood pressure.
• If you have diabetes.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. Ask doctor about smaller doses.

Pregnancy:
Safety to unborn child unestablished. Avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
Safety unestablished. Avoid if possible.

Infants & children:
Use only under close medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
May be necessary.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting your doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have used drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Most normal physical activities, including swimming or other exercise, are okay while you use this medicine.
• Keep cool, but don't freeze.
• Keep appointments for regular eye examinations to measure pressure in the eye.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Interactions with other drugs	unlikely unless significant systemic
absorption of ophthalmic drug	occurs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.