Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Pilocarpine Hydrochloride
- Brand Names
- Pilocarpine Hydrochloride
- Route
- OPHTHALMIC
- Dosage Form
- SOLUTION/ DROPS
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is a cholinergic agonist prepared as a sterile topical ophthalmic solution. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structure: Molecular Structure Established name: pilocarpine hydrochloride Chemical name: 2(3 H )-furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1 H -imidazol-5-yl)-methyl]- monohydrochloride, (3S- cis )-. Molecular Formula: C 11 H 16 N 2 O 2
What Is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, is indicated for the: Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP is a muscarinic cholinergic agonist indicated for The reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (1.1) The management of acute angle-closure glaucoma (1.2) The prevention of postoperative elevated IOP associated with laser surgery (1.3) The induction of miosis (1.4) 1.1 Reduction of Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension 1.2 Management of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma 1.3 Prevention of Postoperative Elevated IOP Associated with Laser Surgery 1.4 Induction of Miosis
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Instill one drop in the eye(s) up to four times daily (2). 2.1 Reduction of Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension One drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1%, 2% or 4% should be applied topically in the eye(s) up to four times daily. Pilocarpine-naïve patients should be started on the 1% concentration as higher concentrations are often not tolerated initially. The frequency of instillation and concentration of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution are determined by the severity of the elevated intraocular pressure and miotic response of the patient. To limit systemic exposure to pilocarpine, patients may be instructed to perform punctal occlusion for 2 minutes after instillation of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. 2.2 Management of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Prior to pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution use, treatment with secretory suppressants and hyperosmotic agents may be needed to lower IOP below 50 mmHg and relieve iris ischemia. For initial management of acute angle-closure glaucoma, one drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1% or 2% may be applied topically in the eye(s) up to three times over a 30-minute period. If laser iridoplasty or iridomy is used to break the attack, one drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 4% should be administered prior to the procedure. Following laser iridoplasty, one drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1% should be administered four times daily until an iridotomy can be performed. 2.3 Prevention of Postoperative Elevated IOP Associated with Laser Surgery One drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1%, 2% or 4% (or two drops administered five minutes apart) should be applied topically in the eye(s) 15 to 60 minutes prior to surgery. 2.4 Induction of Miosis One drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1%, 2% or 4% (or two drops administered five minutes apart) should be applied topically in the eye(s). 2.5 Use with Other Topical Ophthalmic Medications Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution may be used in combination with beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sympathomimetics or hyperosmotic agents. If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five (5) minutes apart. 2.6 Use in Pediatric Patients In children under 2 years of age, one drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1% should be applied topically in the eye(s) three times daily. Children 2 years of age and over should be dosed as for adults. For the induction of miosis prior to goniotomy or trabeculotomy in children, one drop of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 1% or 2% should be applied topically in the eye 15 to 60 minutes prior to surgery.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety data described below reflect exposure in four controlled clinical trials of 90 days to 2 years duration in 317 patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. In the four clinical trials, patients were treated with pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2%, two to four times daily or with pilocarpine 1%, 1.75% or 2% in fixed combination with betaxolol 0.25%, two or three times daily. The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 5% of patients in the pilocarpine 2% populations were: headache/browache, accommodative change, blurred vision, eye irritation, visual impairment (dim, dark, or "jumping" vision), and eye pain. The adverse reaction profile reported for the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in pediatric patients is comparable to that seen in adult patients. Most common adverse reactions are headache/browache, accommodative change, eye irritation, eye pain, blurred vision, and/or visual impairment (6.1). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Somerset Therapeutics, LLC at 1-800-417-9175 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Systemic toxicity following topical ocular administration of pilocarpine is rare, but occasionally patients who are sensitive may develop sweating and gastrointestinal overactivity following the suggested dosage and administration. Overdosage can produce sweating, salivation, nausea, tremors and slowing of the pulse and a decrease in blood pressure. In moderate overdosage, spontaneous recovery is to be expected and is aided by intravenous fluids to compensate for dehydration. For patients demonstrating severe poisoning, atropine, the pharmacologic antagonist to pilocarpine, should be used.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution USP, 1%, 2% and 4% is clear colorless solution supplied sterile in natural LDPE bottles plugged with natural LDPE nozzle and green coloured HDPE cap. 15 mL in 15 mL bottles 1%: NDC 70069- 181 -01 2%: NDC 70069- 191 -01 4%: NDC 70069- 201 -01 STORAGE: Store between 15º to 25ºC (59º to 77ºF) and protect from freezing; [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.