Minims* Pilocarpine Nitrate
pilocarpine nitrate 2% & 4% w/v
About Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate
The name of this medicine is Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate and it is available in three strengths. Every Minims eye drops unit contains either 2% or 4% w/v pilocarpine nitrate solution. It also contains purified water. Each Minims unit is a sterile, single-use container which holds approximately 0.5ml of solution. Each carton contains 20 units. Pilocarpine nitrate is a miotic drug. These drugs are used to make the pupil of the eye smaller.
Who makes it?
Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate are manufactured by
The Marketing Authorisations for Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate 2% (PL 0033/5014R and PA118/17/2) and Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate 4% (PL0033/5016R and PA 118/17/4) are held by
What is it for?
Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate is used to make the pupil of the eye smaller. This medicine may be necessary either to reverse the effects of eye drops which cause the pupil to enlarge or for the emergency treatment of glaucoma (raised pressure within the eyeball).
Before using Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate
Do you suffer from any of the following problems?
- Heart failure
- Asthma
- Stomach ulcers
- High blood pressure
- Problems with passing urine
- Parkinson’s disease
Other eye conditions (for example inflammatory eye conditions, problems with the back of the eye(retina) and glaucoma caused by other ophthalmic problems such as long term treatment with steroid eye drops or growth of new vessels on the iris).
Are you allergic to pilocarpine?
Do you wear soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses?
Are you pregnant (or do you think you might be) or are you breast feeding?
If the answer to any of the above questions is YES, tell your doctor or eye specialist. It is possible that this eye drop will still be given to you, but it is also possible that an alternative may be prescribed.
These eye drops may also affect your ability to focus and/or see in the dark. You should not, therefore, drive or operate hazardous machinery unless your vision is clear.
Interaction of Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate with other drugs
Although not clinically proven, it is possible that the following medicines may stop pilocarpine working properly:
- Topical corticosteroids (e.g. some creams used to treat skin problems or some types of eye drop)
- Systemic corticosteroids (e.g. some tablets used to treat asthma or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Systemic anticholinergics (e.g. some medicines which treat Parkinson’s disease and some medicines used to treat abdominal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Diverticular Disease).
- Antihistamines (for the treatment of allergic conditions)
- Pethidine (a strong pain killer)
- Sympathomimetics (for example, adrenaline)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (for the treatment of depression)
- Other medicines used to reduce the size of your pupil.
If you are unsure whether you take any of the medicines listed above you should ask your doctor or eye specialist. It is possible that this eye drop will still be given to you, but it is also possible that an alternative may be prescribed.
Using Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate
The dose of this eye drop varies depending on the reason for which it has been prescribed. Detailed instructions will be given to you by your doctor or eye specialist. Make sure you follow these instructions carefully.
The doctor or eye specialist may put your eye drops in for you, but if you are putting in your own drops then follow these instructions carefully:
- 1. Wash your hands thoroughly, peel the overwrap apart and take out the Minims unit.
- 2. Twist off the cap.
- 3. Look upwards and gently pull down the lower eyelid.
- 4. Hold the Minims unit just above your eye and gently squeeze until a drop of liquid falls into the gap between your eyeball and lower eyelid. Make sure the dropper does not touch any part of your eye.
- 5. Release the lower eyelid and then press gently on the inner corner of your eye for a minute or so. This will help to stop the solution draining away into your nose and throat. This is especially advisable in children.
- 6. Throw away the rest of the Minims unit when you have finished, even if there is some solution left.
It is very unlikely that you will suffer an overdose after using this product correctly. If you do suddenly feel unwell, however, or if you accidentally swallow this medicine you should contact your doctor or the nearest casualty department immediately.
If you forget to use a dose of Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate, use it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for the next dose), then carry on using it as before.
After using Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate
Most people do not suffer from any unwanted side effects from this medicine. Sometimes, however, it can cause reactions in and around the eyes. These reactions include sensations of burning, itching, stinging, blurring of vision, discomfort in the eyes and red eyes. You may also find it difficult to focus and/or adjust your eyes to the dark and experience bleeding in the main part of the eye. You might experience changes to your eyes when you use the product for a long period.
Browache or headache may occasionally occur, especially in younger patients who have just started taking this medicine.
Other reactions which occur rarely include low blood pressure, abnormally slow heart rate, wheezing and shortness of breath, salivation, sweating, sickness, diarrhoea and watering of the eyes.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer from any unwanted effects after using Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate that are not mentioned in this leaflet.
Storing Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate
- The expiry date for this medicine is printed on the overwrap and on the carton label. Do not use it after this date.
- Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate should be stored below 25°C and protected from light. Do not freeze.
- The Minims unit should be thrown away after a single use, even if there is some solution left.
Remember, this medicine is only for you. Never give it to anybody else, even if their symptoms appear to be the same as yours.
This leaflet applies only to Minims Pilocarpine Nitrate, but does not contain all the information known about it. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Date of Partial Revision: August 2002
* Trade Mark
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