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Echothiophate Iodide

Pronounced

"eck-oh-THIGH-oh-fate, off-THAL-mick"

Common brand names:

Phospholine Iodide

Uses

This medication is used to treat high pressure inside the eye (due to conditions such as certain types of glaucoma) and other eye problems (such as accommodative esotropia). It works by causing the pupil to shrink, decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye, and affecting certain eye muscles.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day.

Follow all directions supplied by the manufacturer for mixing the eye drops. Discard the mixed solution if it changes color, becomes cloudy, or develops particles.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Remove extra solution around the eye with a tissue, and wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before using the other medication. Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or use more often than directed by your doctor. Doing so may increase the risk for serious side effects.