echothiophate iodide ophthalmic

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any decrease in vision or an increase in "floaters" in your visual field. Rarely, echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can lead to blind spots, floaters in your visual field, and even blindness. Your doctor will want to check your retina before you use this medicine to determine if you have an increased risk of retinal detachment.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause decreased vision at night. If you experience decreased vision, avoid these activities.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic also causes the pupil to become smaller and reduces its response to light or dark conditions.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma by lowering the pressure inside the eye. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is also used to treat certain eye disorders involving eye accommodation (focusing).

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Rarely, echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Tell your doctor if you have any type of retinal disease, if you have had a retinal tear, if you are nearsighted, or if you have had cataract surgery. These conditions may increase the risk of retinal detachment with echothiophate iodide ophthalmic use.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• heart failure,
• high or low blood pressure,
• ever had a heart attack,
• asthma,
• a stomach ulcer or stomach spasms,
• epilepsy,
• hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid),
• blockage of the urinary tract or difficulty urinating, or
• Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether echothiophate iodide ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether echothiophate iodide passes into breast milk. Do not use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying echothiophate iodide ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic eye drops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. If the eye drops are stored at room temperature, they must be used within 30 days and then discarded. Keep the bottle properly capped.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Flush the eye with water and seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an echothiophate iodide ophthalmic overdose include sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, watering mouth, tearing eyes, fainting, difficulty breathing, and an irregular heartbeat.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause decreased vision at night. If you experience decreased vision, avoid these activities.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying echothiophate iodide ophthalmic Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with echothiophate iodide ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any decrease in vision or an increase in "floaters" in your visual field. Rarely, echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can lead to blind spots, floaters in your visual field, and even blindness. Your doctor will want to check your retina before you use this medicine to determine if you have an increased risk of retinal detachment.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using echothiophate iodide ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
• abdominal cramps or diarrhea;
• watering mouth;
• excessive sweating;
• urinary incontinence;
• muscle weakness;
• difficulty breathing; or
• an irregular heart beat.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

• burning, stinging, red, or tearing eyes;
• eyelid muscle twitches;
• headache or brow ache; or
• decreased vision in poor light.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with echothiophate ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Organophosphates may increase the effects of echothiophate iodide ophthalmic. If you are a gardener, an organophosphate plant or warehouse worker, or a farmer, you may be exposed to organophosphates. Follow the directions of your doctor and workplace safety guides regarding respiratory masks and the washing and changing of clothes.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with echothiophate iodide ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Your pharmacist has additional information about echothiophate iodide ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Phospholine Iodide in 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.125%, and 0.25% solutions. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.