Pilocarpine Eye Drop 0.4% Eye Drops (Pilocarpine Hydrochloride; Benzalkonium) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is an eye drop that works by making the pupil of your eye smaller and helping fluid drain out of your eye, which lowers eye pressure. Benzalkonium is a preservative added to keep the eye drop free from germs.

What is it used for?

Glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)reducing eye pressure after eye surgery or laser treatment

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Glaucoma & Eye Pressure

How it works

Activates muscarinic cholinergic receptors on the ciliary muscle and iris sphincter, causing contraction (miosis) and increased uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. Benzalkonium chloride serves as a preservative and penetration enhancer.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

Put 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye, usually 3 to 4 times daily or as your doctor directs. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and drop the medicine inside. After putting the drop, close your eye gently and press the corner near your nose for about 1-2 minutes to stop the medicine from draining away.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, put the drop in as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not put in double drops to make up for it.

What to watch out for

This medicine can cause blurred vision, especially at night, so be careful if you are driving or doing anything that needs clear eyesight. Always buy from a registered pharmacy — avoid buying eye drops from roadside sellers or open markets as they may be expired, fake, or contaminated. Do not share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have the same eye problem.

Common Side Effects

Blurred vision or dim vision especially at night
headache or brow ache
slight stinging or burning when you first put the drops in
watery eyes

Serious Side Effects

Sudden severe eye pain
redness
or swelling — see a doctor immediately. Difficulty breathing
chest tightness
or excessive sweating after using the drops — these are rare but need urgent medical attention.

Drug Interactions

If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between each different eye drop to avoid washing one away. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines for asthma or heart problems, as pilocarpine may interact with them. Avoid using with other eye drops that contain preservatives unless your doctor says it is okay.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this eye drop — it should only be used if your doctor says the benefit is worth the risk.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to pilocarpine or benzalkonium chloride
people with certain eye conditions like iritis (inflammation inside the eye)
people wearing soft contact lenses (the preservative benzalkonium can damage them — remove lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back).

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it on window sills or in your car. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use and out of children's reach. Once opened, most eye drops should be used within 4 weeks — check the label and throw it away after that.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Pilocarpine Eye Drop 0.4%