Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP (Sterile)

Rx only

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is a cholinergic prepared as a sterile topical ophthalmic solution. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structural formula:

C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₂•HCl

Mol. Wt. 244.72

2(3H)-Furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl] - monohydrochloride, [3S-cis] -

Pilocarpine HCI 0.5%

EACH mL CONTAINS: ACTIVE: Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 10 mg (1%); INACTIVES: Hypromellose, boric acid, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, Purified Water. Sodium Hydroxide (added to adjust pH).
PRESERVATIVE ADDED: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%.

Pilocarpine HCI 4%

EACH mL CONTAINS: ACTIVE: Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 40 mg (4%); INACTIVES: Hypromellose, Monobasic Sodium Phosphate, Edetate Disodium, Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, Purified Water. Sodium Hydroxide and/or Hydrochloric Acid may be added to adjust pH (3.5 - 5.5). PRESERVATIVE ADDED: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%.

The actions of pilocarpine hydrochloride are those of pilocarpine, a cholinergic substance. Its penetration, following topical application to the eye, results in parasympathomimetic reactions by responsive tissues.

Pilocarpine hydrochloride can be used in the medical management of glaucoma, especially open-angle glaucoma, in those cases in which the intraocular pressure can be controlled adequately by the topical administration of pilocarpine. In acute (closed-angle) glaucoma, pilocarpine hydrochloride may be used alone, or in combination with other cholinergic agents or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, to relieve tension prior to emergency surgery.

Patients may be maintained on pilocarpine hydrochloride as long as intraocular pressure is controlled and there is no deterioration in the visual fields. The choice of concentration should be determined by the severity of the condition and the response of the patient. Pilocarpine hydrochloride is also indicated to counter the effects of cycloplegics and mydriatics following surgery or ophthalmoscopic examination.

Parasympathomimetics are contraindicated where miosis is undesirable such as acute iritis or pupillary block glaucoma.

This product is also contraindicated in persons hypersensitive to one or more of the components of this preparation.

Not for internal use. To prevent contaminating the dropper tip and solution, care should be taken not to touch the eyelids or surrounding areas with the dropper tip of the bottle.

This pilocarpine-induced miosis may cause difficulty in dark adaptation. The patient should exercise caution when involved in night driving or other hazardous activities in poor light.

OCULAR: Transient symptoms of stinging and burning may occur. Ciliary spasm, conjunctival vascular congestion, temporal or supraorbital headache, lacrimation and induced myopia may occur. This is especially true in younger individuals who have recently started administration. Reduced visual acuity in poor illumination is frequently experienced by older individuals and individuals with lens opacity. Miotic agents may also cause retinal detachment; thus, care should be exercised with all miotic therapy especially in young myopic patients. Lens opacity may occur with prolonged use of pilocarpine.

SYSTEMIC: Systemic reactions following topical administration, although extremely rare, have included hypertension, tachycardia, bronchiolar spasm, pulmonary edema, salivation, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The initial dose is one or two drops in the affected eye(s). This may be repeated up to three or four times daily or as directed by a physician. The frequency of instillation and concentration of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution are determined by the severity of the glaucoma and miotic response of the patient. Individuals with heavily pigmented irides may require higher strengths.

During acute phases, the miotic must be instilled into the unaffected eye to prevent an attack of angle-closure glaucoma.

DO NOT USE IF IMPRINTED NECKBAND IS NOT INTACT.

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP is supplied in 15 ml plastic DROP-TAINER* dispensers.