echothiophate iodide ophthalmic
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 ophthalmic (for the eyes) reduces pressure in the eye. This medicine is used to treat chronic open-angle glaucoma, and other types of 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).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- uveitis;
- problems with your retina (the membrane layer inside your eye that helps produce vision);
- low blood pressure or slow heartbeats;
- a heart attack;
- asthma or other breathing disorder;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- Parkinson's disease; or
- stomach ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome.
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to insecticide or pesticide 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 chemicals in farming, gardening, or manufacturing.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
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 and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
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.
After placing a drop in your eye, close your eyes and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. This will keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
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.
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 medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
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?
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.
What are the possible side effects of echothiophate iodide ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have 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, 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?
Other drugs may affect echothiophate iodide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Medicines used during anesthesia for surgery may be affected by echothiophate iodide.
Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, and any medicine you start or stop using.
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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