Eserine

Eserine is a parasympathomimetic alkaloid used to treat certain types of glaucoma. This works by interfering with the metabolism of acetylcholine. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Eserine, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

This drug is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children and elderly than it does in adults. It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way they in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of this drug before breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Bupropion, Donepezil, or Succinylcholine. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as eye disease or problems.

To use Eserine correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Proper hand washing is recommended before applying this drug. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye using the middle finger and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after the drug has been placed in the eye. Tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch using the index finger of the same hand.

Drop the drug into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the drug to be absorbed. Wash your hands immediately after using the eye drops to remove any drug that may be on them. Keep the drug as germ-free as possible by preventing unnecessary contact of the applicator tip to any surface. Also, keep the container tightly closed. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch.

A 1-cm strip of ointment is usually enough unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the drug to be absorbed. Wash your hands immediately after using the eye ointment to remove any drug that may be on them. Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed after using the eye ointment.

This drug must be taken exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults and children with glaucoma are advised to use the ointment in each eye one to three times a day. One drop in each eye up to four times a day if you are using the eye drops form of this drug.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

In using Eserine, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Your ophthalmologist should monitor your eye pressure at regular visits. Your vision may be blurred or there may be a change in your near or distant vision, especially at night for a short duration after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if your vision is affected by this drug.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Eserine.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.