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PILOPINE HS®
(pilocarpine hydrochloride) Ophthalmic Gel 4%
DESCRIPTION
PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4% is a
sterile topical ophthalmic aqueous gel which contains more than 90% water and
employs carbopol 940, a synthetic high molecular weight cross-linked polymer
of acrylic acid, to impart a high viscosity. The active ingredient, pilocarpine
hydrochloride, is a cholinergic agent and is represented by the chemical structure:
Established name: Pilocarpine Hydrochloride
Chemical name: 2(3H)-Furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-methyl]-,
monohydrochloride, (3S-cis)-.
PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4% is a
miotic (parasympathomimetic) used to control intraocular pressure. It may be
used in combination with other miotics, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors,
sympathomimetics or hyperosmotic agents.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Apply a one-half inch ribbon in the lower conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) once a day at bedtime.
HOW SUPPLIED
PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4% is supplied
as a 4% sterile aqueous gel in 4 gram tubes with ophthalmic tip.
4 gram: NDC 0065-0215-35
Storage
Store at room temperature 2°-27°C (36° - 80° F). Avoid excessive heat. Do not freeze.
Rev: October 2007. ALCON LABORATORIES, INC. Fort Worth, Texas
76134, USA. FDA rev date: 04/17/08
The following adverse experiences associated with pilocarpine therapy have
been reported: lacrimation, burning or discomfort, temporal or periorbital headache,
ciliary spasm, conjunctival vascular congestion, superficial keratitis and induced
myopia. Systemic reactions following topical administration are extremely rare,
but occasional patients are peculiarly sensitive to develop sweating and gastrointestinal
overactivity following suggested dosage and administration. Ocular reactions
usually occur during initiation of therapy and often will not persist with continued
therapy. 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 about 10% of patients treated with PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) . Cases of
retinal detachment have been reported during treatment with miotic agents; especially
in young myopic patients. Lens opacity may occur with prolonged use of pilocarpine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
No information provided.
Warnings & Precautions
WARNINGS
FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY.
PRECAUTIONS
General
The miosis usually causes difficulty in dark adaptation. Patient should be advised to exercise caution in night driving and other hazardous occupations in poor illumination.
Information For Patients
Do not touch tube tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the gel.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
There have been no long-term studies done using pilocarpine hydrochloride in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential.
Pregnancy: Category C.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with pilocarpine hydrochloride. It is also not known whether pilocarpine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when pilocarpine hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.
Overdosage & Contraindications
OVERDOSE
Overdosage can produce sweating, salivation, nausea, tremors, and slowing of
the pulse and a decrease in blood pressure. Bronchial constriction may develop
in asthmatic patients. In moderate overdosage, spontaneous recovery is to be
expected and is aided by intravenous fluids to compensate for dehydration. For
cases demonstrating severe poisoning, atropine is the pharmacologic antagonist
to pilocarpine.
A topical ocular overdose of an ophthalmic product containing pilocarpine hydrochloride
may be flushed from the eye(s) with warm tap water.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Miotics are contraindicated where constriction is undesirable, such as in acute iritis, and in those persons showing hypersensitivity to any of their components.
Clinical Pharmacology
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pilocarpine (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4% is a direct acting
cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent which acts through direct stimulation
of muscarinic neuro receptors and smooth muscle such as the iris and secretory
glands. Pilocarpine produces miosis through contraction of the iris sphincter,
causing increased tension on the scleral spur and opening of the trabecular
meshwork spaces to facilitate outflow of aqueous humor. Outflow resistance is
thereby reduced, lowering intraocular pressure.
Medication Guide
PATIENT INFORMATION
How to use PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4%
PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) DOES NOT NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED. ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THIS
TUBE MAY BE USED UP TO THE EXPIRATION DATE WHICH IS STAMPED ON THE CRIMP (BOTTOM)
OF THE TUBE.
PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) 4% is an eye pressure
lowering medication. The pilocarpine is absorbed into the eye at night to control
intraocular pressure throughout the day. Apply about a half-inch ribbon (try
not to put in too much) in the affected eye(s) every night just before going
to bed. Should you occasionally apply too much and awaken with some gel on the
eyelids, simply wash it away with warm water. You may initially experience some
difficulty applying the gel or mild pilocarpine symptoms such as blurred vision
in the morning. This is normal and you should soon become accustomed to both.
If discomfort persists, consult your ophthalmologist. If you use other glaucoma
medication at bedtime, use the drops first and wait at least five minutes before
applying PILOPINE HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) .
Wash and dry your hands. Remove cap from the tube and place it on a clean surface nearby. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket for the gel.
Gently squeeze tube and apply a continuous strip (about a half-inch) of gel into and along the pocket. A half-inch is approximately as wide as your iris (the colored part of your eye).
Gently grasp lower eyelid below lashes; lift lower eyelid and look downward as you close your eye. This will help move the gel deep into the pocket you have formed.
Keep eye closed for a minute or so to prevent excess blinking or tearing which might dilute the medication. Repeat the procedure for your other eye. Replace cap. Shown below is another approach you can use if your ophthalmologist recommends working up to the full daily dosage.
EASY "FINGERTIP" APPLICATION
Start with a small amount of gel. As you become more familiar with the technique, you will be able to apply larger strips until you reach the half-inch maximum dose. Do not use too much gel. Individual situations vary, so be sure to follow your ophthalmologist's recommendations.
Wash hands thoroughly. Apply the correct amount of Pilopine HS® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel) to the edge of your index finger.
Pull down lower eyelid with middle finger of other hand to form a pouch. Gently roll the strip of gel into the eye pouch.
Gently squeeze the lower eyelid and pull it slightly away from your face.
Look down and then close your eye for a moment. Wipe off any excess gel with
a tissue. Repeat in the other eye if so directed by your ophthalmologist. Replace
cap.