What is this medication?

ECHOTHIOPHATE (ek oh THYE oh fate) works in the eye. It is used to decrease pressure in the eye. It is also used to diagnose and to treat a condition that causes the eyes to cross.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phospholine Iodide

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma (lung or breathing disease)
• eye disease, such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment
• heart disease
• infection or swelling in the eye
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures
• stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to echothiophate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care provider.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• certain insecticides or pesticides
• medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• muscle relaxers used during surgery like succinylcholine
• other medicines for glaucoma

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to insecticides or pesticides. Certain products may increase the effect of this medicine, causing increased side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• changes in vision
• eye irritation
• eye pain
• heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution
• diarrhea
• increased flow of tears
• sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Get rid of any unused medicine 4 weeks after opening.

To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put in the trash, pour the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.