Type of medicine: antiglaucoma; long-acting cholinesterase inhibitor
Generic and brand names: echothiophate, ophthalmic; Phospholine Iodide
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat glaucoma and certain other eye problems.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you have had a heart attack recently.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. To lessen the risk of side effects, do not use more of it or use it more often than directed.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes. If you are using more than one kind of eyedrop, wait 5 minutes before using the other kind of eyedrop.
To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly.
While you are using this medicine, avoid inhaling pesticides (chemicals to kill insects) or getting them on your skin. Ask your healthcare provider to explain.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: slow or irregular heartbeat, flushing, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness.
Important: If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Your healthcare provider will check you regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
After you use this medicine, your eyes may be irritated and you may get a headache. Your vision in dim light will be reduced and may become blurry. Do not drive or do anything requiring good vision unless you can see clearly.
Do not use eyedrops that are discolored. Your pharmacist can check your eyedrops if you are not sure.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Trouble breathing, loss of bladder control, weakness, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, heavy mouth-watering, severe muscle weakness.
Other: Blurred or changed vision, burning or other eye irritation, watery eyes, headache, eye twitching.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the powder in the refrigerator. After mixing, keep the solution at room temperature. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Discard these eyedrops after 1 month.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
