Pilocarpine Eye Drops (pilocarpine) are used to reduce high pressure in the eyes, in most cases due to some form of glaucoma. The drops are also sometimes used to reduce pupil size following surgery or other eye procedures.

The medication works by opening the trabecular meshwork in the eye, increasing the rate at which aqueous humor leaves the eye. This action reduces intraocular pressure. Pilocarpine Eye Drops cause pupil constriction by working on the iris sphincter muscle.

For pupil constriction low doses of the medication are preferred; for reducing intraocular pressure higher doses. Pupil constriction will likely occur as well when higher doses are used, even if that is not intent, which can cause some visual disturbances. These disturbances will end when treatment ends.

This product can be used in children with doctor approval.

Using Pilocarpine Eye Drops

Pilocarpine Eye Drops are available in several strengths, the lowest being 1%. The dosage amount should be determined by a doctor. In most cases the 1% version is preferred for pupil constriction, while those with moderate to severe ocular pressure may be instructed to use up to 4%. There are exceptions, however, and children are typically given lower doses than adults.

Treatment should be individualized, and will vary according to the condition being treated as well as the dosage strength.

For chronic glaucoma rough treatment guidelines are:

• Apply one drop in each affected eye four times per day.
• Treatment should continue for as long as a doctor recommends.

For acute angle-closure glaucoma rough treatment guidelines are:

• At first apply one drop every five to ten minutes for 30 minutes to one hour.
• After the first 30 minutes to one hour, apply one drop every three hours.
• Continue treatment for as long as doctor recommends.

Other conditions are more variable as far as dosage and administration, and instructions for the above conditions may vary from patient to patient. Again, doctor instructions should be followed.

Duration of treatment also varies considerably, from a day or two following eye procedures to months or years for chronic glaucoma. With respect to intraocular pressure, other methods to more permanently resolve the condition are usually also tried, and these other methods may be the only way to eliminate dependency on Pilocarpine Eye Drops or a similar medication.

Treatment should continue for as long as needed. Use should not stop even if no symptoms are apparent.

p>Potential Side Effects

Side effects from Pilocarpine Eye Drops are unusual and usually mild, assuming the medication is used as directed. Some patients are at increased risk of serious side effects, however. Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware if there is any history of:

• Difficulty passing urine
• Stomach ulcers
• Asthma
• Parkinson's disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems

Common side effects, experienced by up to 10 percent of patients, include:

• Mild eye irritation when drops are applied
• Headache or ache around eyes
• Itching or rash around eyes
• Swelling of eyes
• Temporary blurred vision, shortsightedness, or other visual disturbances
• Impaired night vision
• Enlargement of veins in the eyes

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive, at which time a doctor should be consulted. Most of the above will stop occurring after a few administrations or will end when treatment ends.

There are a couple of more concerning side effects, again experienced by up to 10 percent of patients, which are:

• Bleeding in the front of the eye
• Retina detachment

Both of the above warrant medical attention if experienced.

Some medications can interact with Pilocarpine Eye Drops as well. Of particular concern are:

• Antihistamines
• Parkinson’s disease medications
• Anticholinesterases
• Antidepressants
• Hypertension medications
• Phenothiazines
• Medications that influence pupil size

In the interest of safety and hassle-free treatment it's always a good idea to double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing any other medication with Pilocarpine Eye Drops, including over-the-counter varieties.