Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic also causes the pupil to become smaller and reduces its response to light or dark conditions.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma by lowering the pressure inside the eye. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is also used to treat certain eye disorders involving eye accommodation (focusing).

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any decrease in vision or an increase in "floaters" in your visual field. Rarely, echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can lead to blind spots, floaters in your visual field, and even blindness. Your doctor will want to check your retina before you use this medicine to determine if you have an increased risk of retinal detachment.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause decreased vision at night. If you experience decreased vision, avoid these activities.

Rarely, echothiophate iodide ophthalmic may cause retinal detachment. Tell your doctor if you have any type of retinal disease, if you have had a retinal tear, if you are nearsighted, or if you have had cataract surgery. These conditions may increase the risk of retinal detachment with echothiophate iodide ophthalmic use.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• heart failure,

• high or low blood pressure,

• ever had a heart attack,

• asthma,

• a stomach ulcer or stomach spasms,

• epilepsy,

• hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid),

• blockage of the urinary tract or difficulty urinating, or

• Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Echothiophate iodide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether echothiophate iodide ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether echothiophate iodide passes into breast milk. Do not use echothiophate iodide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.