Health Library

Pilocarpine (Into the eye)

Pilocarpine (pye-loe-KAR-peen)

Controls pressure inside the eye and treats presbyopia.

Brand Name(s):

Vuity

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Ointment, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• Eye drops:
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• If you wear contact lenses, take them out before you use this medicine. Wait at least 10 minutes before you put your contact lenses back in.
• Eye gel:
  • To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
  • If you still have some gel on your eyelashes when you wake up in the morning, just wash it off with warm water.
  • If you also use eye drops of another medicine, use the drops first. Then wait at least 5 minutes before you apply the gel.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the Qlosi™ vial in the refrigerator. Once the pouch is open, you may store it at room temperature and use within 30 days. Throw away opened vials after use.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• If you are using more than one eye product, apply these medicines at least 5 minutes apart.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or other eye problems (including iritis, retinal problems).
• This medicine may cause serious eye or vision problems, including retinal detachment, retinal tear.
• This medicine may cause blurred vision and may make you have trouble seeing at night or in dim light. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred or changes in vision, eye pain or irritation
• Red, watery, or itchy eyes
• Redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Sweating

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024