echothiophate iodide 0.125 % eye drops

Generic name:
Echothiophate solution - ophthalmic

Pronunciation
(eck-oh-THIGH-oh-fate)

Brand name(s)
Phospholine Iodide

This medication is used to treat high pressure inside the eye (due to conditions such as certain types of glaucoma) and other eye problems (such as accommodative esotropia). It works by causing the pupil to shrink, decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye, and affecting certain eye muscles.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Remove extra solution around the eye with a tissue, and wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before using the other medication. Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use more often than directed by your doctor. Doing so may increase the risk for serious side effects.

Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye, temporary blurred vision, eyelid muscle twitching, poor vision in dim light, headache, or brow ache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• eye pain
• flushing
• diarrhea
• nausea
• irregular heartbeat
• stomach/abdominal pain or cramps
• increased saliva
• increased urination
• unusual sweating
• vision changes

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using echothiophate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• asthma
• epilepsy
• other eye problems (such as iritis, uveitis, detached retina)
• heart disease (such as heart failure, recent heart attack)
• low or high blood pressure
• myasthenia gravis
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Parkinsonism
• stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, spasms)
• certain urinary problems (such as blockage)

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. Vision in dim light may be affected. Do not drive (especially at night), use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.

Avoid exposure to insecticides. Some types of insecticides may increase the risk of certain side effects. If you have contact with insecticides, wear a mask and/or gloves and wash or change clothing often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased saliva, irregular/slow heartbeat, nausea, diarrhea, increased sweating.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are prescribed this medication on a once- or twice-daily schedule and miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a dose while using this medication on another schedule besides a daily one.

Store upright at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Discard any unused portion after 4 weeks. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.