What is this medicine?
ECHOTHIOPHATE (ek oh THYE oh fate) works in the eye. It is used to treat some kinds of glaucoma. It is also used to diagnose and to treat a condition that causes the eyes to cross.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-closed-angle glaucoma
-infection or swelling in the eye
-an unusual or allergic reaction to echothiophate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-certain insecticides or pesticides
-medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis
-muscle relaxers used during surgery like succinylcholine
-other medicines for glaucoma
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to insecticides or pesticides. Certain products may increase the effect of this medicine, causing increased side effects.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-changes in vision
-eye pain
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-trouble seeing at night
-sensitivity of the eyes to light
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution
-increased flow of tears
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature about 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after 4 weeks or the expiration date, whichever is sooner.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
