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Echothiophate iodide

Generic name: Echothiophate iodide
Brand names: Phospholine Iodide

Why is Echothiophate iodide prescribed?

Echothiophate iodide is used to treat chronic open-angle glaucoma, a partial loss of vision or blindness resulting from a gradual increase in pressure of fluid in the eye. Because the vision loss occurs slowly, people often do not experience any symptoms and do not realize that their vision has declined. By the time the loss is noticed, it may be irreversible. Echothiophate iodide helps by reducing fluid pressure in the eye.

Echothiophate iodide is also used to treat secondary glaucoma (such as glaucoma following surgery to remove cataracts), for subacute or chronic angle-closure glaucoma after iridectomy (surgical removal of a portion of the iris) or when someone cannot have surgery or refuses it. The drug is also prescribed for children with accommodative esotropia ("cross-eye").

Most important fact about Echothiophate iodide

Avoid exposure to certain pesticides or insecticides such as Sevin and Trolene. They can boost the side effects of Echothiophate iodide. If you work with these chemicals, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, wash and change your clothing frequently, and wash your hands often.

How should you use Echothiophate iodide?

To use Echothiophate iodide:

1. To minimize drainage of Echothiophate iodide into your nose, your doctor may instruct you to apply pressure with the middle finger to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes after placing the drops in your eyes.
2. Wipe off any excess Echothiophate iodide around the eye with a tissue.
3. Wash off any Echothiophate iodide that may get onto your hands.

--If you miss a dose...

If you use 1 dose every other day: Apply the dose you missed as soon as you remember, if it is still the scheduled day. If you do not remember until the next day, apply it as soon as you remember, then skip a day and start your schedule again.

If you use 1 dose a day: Apply the dose you missed as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

If you use 2 doses a day: Apply the dose you missed as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

Never apply 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

You may keep the eye drops at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe to continue taking Echothiophate iodide.

• More common side effects may include:
  Ache above the eyes, blurred vision, burning, clouded eye lens, cyst formation, decreased pupil size, decreased visual sharpness, excess tears, eye pain, heart irregularities, increased eye pressure, inflamed iris, lid muscle twitching, nearsightedness, red eyes, stinging

Why should Echothiophate iodide not be prescribed?

You should not use Echothiophate iodide if you have an inflammation in the eye.

Most people with angle-closure glaucoma (a condition in which there is a sudden increase in pressure of fluid in the eye) should not use Echothiophate iodide.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to or are sensitive to Echothiophate iodide or any of its ingredients, you should not use Echothiophate iodide.

Special warnings about Echothiophate iodide

Drugs such as Echothiophate iodide should be used cautiously (if at all) if you have or have ever had:

Bronchial asthma
Detached retina
Epilepsy
Extreme low blood pressure
Parkinson"s disease
Peptic ulcer
Recent heart attack
Slow heartbeat
Stomach or intestinal problems

If you notice any problems with your heart, notify your doctor immediately.

Stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: breathing difficulties, diarrhea, inability to hold urine, muscle weakness, profuse sweating, or salivation.

If you will be using Echothiophate iodide for a long time, your doctor should schedule regular examinations to make sure that Echothiophate iodide is not causing unwanted effects.

Echothiophate iodide may cause vision problems. Be careful when driving at night or performing tasks in dim or poor light.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Echothiophate iodide

If Echothiophate iodide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Echothiophate iodide with drugs such as Enlon, Mestinon, or Tensilon, used to treat myasthenia gravis, a condition of muscle weakness that usually affects muscles in the eyes, face, limbs, and throat.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. No information is available about the safety of Echothiophate iodide during pregnancy.

Echothiophate iodide should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

For Glaucoma

A dose of 0.03 percent should be used 2 times a day, in the morning and at bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose if necessary. Your doctor may have you take 1 dose a day or 1 dose every other day, instead.

CHILDREN

For Accommodative Esotropia

Place 1 drop of 0.125 percent solution in both eyes at bedtime for 2 or 3 weeks to diagnose the condition.

Your doctor may then change the schedule to 0.125 percent every other day or reduce the dose to 0.06 percent every day.

The maximum dose usually recommended is 0.125 percent solution once daily.

If the eye drops are slowly withdrawn after a year or two of treatment, and the eye problem returns, your doctor may want you to consider surgery.

Overdosage

Any medication used in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Echothiophate iodide, seek medical help immediately.