Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? Yes, some are
- Drug class: Antiglaucoma (ophthalmic)
Uses
Treats glaucoma (open-angle, secondary, angle-closure during
or after eye surgery).
Dosage & Usage Information
How to use:
Eye drops
Wash hands.
Apply pressure to inside corner of eye with middle finger.
Continue pressure for 1 minute after placing medicine in eye.
Tilt head backward. Pull lower lid away from eye with index
finger of the same hand.
Drop eye drops into pouch and close eye. Don't blink.
Keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Eye ointment
Wash hands.
Pull lower lid down from eye to form a pouch.
Squeeze tube to apply thin strip of ointment into pouch.
Close eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
Don't touch applicator tip to any surface (including the eye).
If you accidentally touch tip, clean with warm soap and water.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep cool, but don't freeze.
Wash hands immediately after using.
When to use:
As directed on label.
If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.
What drug does:
Inactivates enzyme and facilitates movement of fluid (aquemous
humor) into and out of the eye.
Time lapse before drug works:
10-30 minutes.
Don't use with:
Any other eye medicine without consulting your doctor.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
None expected.
WHAT TO DO:
Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows,
call poison-control center.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
Common:
Headache, stinging, burning, watery eyes.
Infrequent:
Eye pain, changes in vision, blurred vision.
Rare:
Faintness, increased sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat,
paleness.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't use if:
You are allergic to any eye medicine for glaucoma.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you plan to have eye or dental surgery.
- If you have any eye disease.
- If you have heart problems or high blood pressure.
- If you have diabetes.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons. Ask doctor about smaller doses.
Pregnancy:
Safety to unborn child unestablished. Avoid if possible.
Breast-feeding:
Safety unestablished. Avoid if possible.
Infants & children:
Use only under close medical supervision.
Prolonged use:
May be necessary.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives,
pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting your doctor. Dose may
require gradual reduction if you have used drug for a long
time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
- Most normal physical activities, including swimming or
other exercise, are okay while you use this medicine.
- Keep cool, but don't freeze.
- Keep appointments for regular eye examinations to measure
pressure in the eye.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
