Brand Names

How to Use

To use the ophthalmic solution - eye drops form of this drug:

• Do not use if the solution becomes discolored.
• First, wash your hands. With the middle finger, apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye - and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after the drug has been placed in the eye. Tilt the head back and with the index finger of the same hand, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the drug into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the drug to be absorbed.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any drug that may be on them.
• To keep the drug as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface - including the eye. Always keep the container tightly closed.

To use the ointment form of this drug:

• First, wash your hands. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1-cm - approximately 1/3-inch strip of ointment is usually enough unless otherwise directed by your family doctor. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the drug to be absorbed.
• Immediately after using the eye ointment, wash your hands to remove any drug that may be on them.
• To keep the drug as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface - including the eye. After using the eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

Use this drug only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your family doctor ordered. To do so may increase the risk of overdose being absorbed into the body and the risk of side effects.

Dosage

The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses and the length of time you use the drug depend on the medical problem for which you are using ophthalmic physostigmine .

• For glaucoma:
  • For ophthalmic ointment dosage form:
    • Adults and children Use in each eye one to three times a day.
  • For ophthalmic solution - eye drops dosage form:
    • Adults and children One drop in each eye up to four times a day.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug and your dosing schedule is:

• One dose a day Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• More than one dose a day Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the drug from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.