Note: This document contains side effect information about pilocarpine ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Isopto Carpine.
Applies to pilocarpine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects of Isopto Carpine
Along with its needed effects, pilocarpine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Isopto Carpine) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pilocarpine ophthalmic:
More common
- Increased sweating
- muscle tremors
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
- trouble breathing
- watering of mouth
Less common
- Blurred vision
- eye irritation or pain
- watering of the eyes
Incidence not known
- Chest tightness
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- hives, itching, skin rash
- irritation
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- redness of the skin
- seeing flashes or sparks of light
- seeing floating spots before the eyes, or a veil or curtain appearing across part of vision
- swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
- trouble breathing
Other side effects of Isopto Carpine
Some side effects of pilocarpine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Decrease in night vision
- headache
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to pilocarpine ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic gel, ophthalmic insert, ophthalmic solution.
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Accommodative change, blurred vision, eye irritation, visual impairment, eye pain
Frequency not reported: Ciliary spasm, itching, smarting/burning, sensitization of the lids and conjunctival vascular congestion, transient myopia, lens changes with chronic use, decrease in visual acuity in poor illumination, increased pupillary block, vitreous hemorrhaging, retinal detachment[Ref]
General
The most commonly reported side effects were accommodative change, blurred vision, eye irritation, visual impairment, and eye pain.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Changes in blood pressure, cardiac rhythm[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Sweating, increased salivation, lacrimation[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache, browache
Frequency not reported: Tremor[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Bronchial spasm, pulmonary edema[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea[Ref]
