Ocu-Carpine Side Effects

Generic name: pilocarpine ophthalmic

Note: This document contains side effect information about pilocarpine ophthalmic. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Ocu-Carpine.

Some side effects of Ocu-Carpine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to pilocarpine ophthalmic: ophthalmic gel, ophthalmic solution

Stop using pilocarpine and Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking pilocarpine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Ocu-Carpine) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe stinging, burning, swelling, or redness of your eye;

• vision changes;

• eye pain or increased watering; or

• crusting or drainage around your eye.

Less serious side effects of pilocarpine ophthalmic may include:

• mild burning, stinging, or discomfort of your eyes;

• blurred vision; or

• trouble seeing in dark light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to pilocarpine ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic gel, ophthalmic insert, ophthalmic solution

Ocular

The results of small studies have suggested that patients with depression or Alzheimer's disease may have greater sensitivity to the muscarinic effects of pilocarpine.

Ocular side effects with the ophthalmic gel or solution have included lacrimation, burning, local discomfort, temporal or supraorbital headache, ciliary spasm, conjunctival vascular congestion, superficial keratitis, and induced myopia. Reduced visual acuity in poor illumination is frequently experienced in older individuals and in those with lens opacity. A subtle corneal granularity was observed in approximately 10% of patients. Cases of retinal detachment have been associated with the use of miotic agents, especially in young myopic patients. Lens opacity may occur after prolonged use of this drug. Ocular reactions usually occur during initiation of therapy and often will not persist with continued use.

Ocular side effects with pilocarpine ocular inserts have included ciliary spasm (often resulting in transient myopia), local irritation, corneal abrasions, and visual impairment. In some cases, local irritation, allergic reactions, or induced myopia necessitates cessation of therapy. Cases of retinal detachment have been associated with the use of miotic agents, especially in young myopic patients. Some patients may experience conjunctival irritation, including mild erythema with or without increased mucous secretion near the initiation of therapy that tends to subside with continued use. Although rare, increased pilocarpine effect has been observed during therapy.

General

General side effects have included sweating and gastrointestinal overactivity in rare circumstances.

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