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) .
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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.