Echothiophate Iodide

(ek oh THYE oh fate EYE oh dide)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an eye solution.

Pharmacologic Category

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

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to echothiophate iodide or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
• This medicine is used to treat cross-eyed children.

How does this medicine work?

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

How is this medicine given?

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

How long does this medicine take to work?

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

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

• Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop your child's medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• If your child has an eye infection, surgery, or trauma, start new vial of medicine.
• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Eye irritation.
• Blurred vision. Have your child use caution when doing activities that require clear vision.
• Flushing. Dressing your child in layers of clothes or summer clothes and providing a cool environment may help.
• Decreased night vision. Have your child use caution when doing tasks that require clear vision. Keep work area well lit.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Have your child's eye pressure checked regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has a sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.
• If your child shows signs of severe dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Throw away any unused portion after 1 month.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

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.

Note: Clicking these links will take you to a site outside of KidsHealth's control.