Echothiophate Iodide

(ek oh THYE oh fate EYE oh dide)

How does this drug come?

• This drug comes as an eye solution.

Pharmacologic Category

• Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor
• Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma
• Ophthalmic Agent, Miotic

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to echothiophate iodide or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat glaucoma.
• It is used to treat cross-eyed children.

How does this drug work?

• Echothiophate iodide lowers pressure in the eye.
• It makes the eye pupils small.

How is this drug given?

• For the eye only.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Have your child take out his/her contact lenses before using this drug. Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this drug is given. Do not put lenses back in if your child's eyes are irritated or infected.
• Do not touch the container tip to your child's eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your child's head back and to the side of affected eye.
• After giving this drug, ask your child to keep eyes closed. Put light pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes. This keeps the drug in your child's eye.
• Space each eye drug by 5 minutes.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If your child has had an eye infection, eye surgery, or eye injury, start a new bottle of this drug.
• Have your child's eye pressure checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Eye irritation.
• Blurred eyesight. Have your child use care when doing tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Flushing. Dressing your child in layers of clothes or summer clothes and providing a cool place may help.
• Lowered night eyesight. Have your child use care when doing tasks that call for clear eyesight. Keep work space well lit.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Throw away any part not used after 1 month.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.