Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• blurred vision or change in near or far vision
• decrease in night vision
• eye irritation
• headache
• dizziness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• eye pain
• eyelid swelling
• increased sweating
• floaters or flashes in your field of vision
• eye swelling
• increased eye pressure
• nausea
• vomiting
• watering of mouth

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, skin blisters, sores or pain in the mouth or eyes)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride).

1%
Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) is a sterile, buffered solution of 1% pilocarpine HCl. Preserved with benzalkonium chloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: boric acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and sodium hydroxide.

2%
Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) is a sterile, buffered solution of 2% pilocarpine HCl. Preserved with benzalkonium chloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: boric acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and sodium hydroxide.

4%
Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) is a sterile, buffered solution of 4% pilocarpine HCl. Preserved with benzalkonium chloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: boric acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and sodium hydroxide.

Do not use Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) if you:

• are sensitive or allergic to pilocarpine or any ingredients of Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride)
• have inflammation of the coloured part of the eye (iris or uvea)

There may be an interaction between pilocarpine and any of the following:

• other eye drops

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride).

Contact lenses: Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) contains a preservative that can cause eye irritation and discoloration of soft contact lenses. People who wear contact lenses should remove the lenses before using the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

Reduced vision: Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) may cause reduced vision especially at night or with reduced lighting. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are familiar with Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride)'s effects.

Pregnancy: Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if pilocarpine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Isopto Carpine (Pilocarpine-hydrochloride), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.