Isopto Carpine® Ophthalmic Solution for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

What Isopto Carpine® Is and How It Works

Isopto Carpine is pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. It is a miotic eye drop used to lower intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Many people search for isopto carpine eye drops for daytime pressure control and for specific clinical uses, such as reversing medically induced pupil dilation.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist. It stimulates muscarinic receptors in the eye. The ciliary muscle contracts and opens the trabecular meshwork. Aqueous humor drains more easily through Schlemm’s canal, so intraocular pressure drops. Miosis (a small pupil) also occurs and can reduce pupil block.

Isopto Carpine is available in several strengths, including 1%, 2%, and 4% (often referred to as isopto carpine 1, isopto carpine 2, and isopto carpine 4). Some prescribers also refer to isopto pilocarpine 1 or isopto pilocarpine 2. Typical use is one drop to the affected eye(s) up to four times daily, as directed by the prescriber.

Orders ship to the United States at Canadian prices. We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies internationally to source authentic brand drops and a wide selection at fair, affordable costs.

The product is used as monotherapy or together with other glaucoma medicines. It may also be used in acute angle-closure protocols under supervision. For everyday chronic care, it supports pressure control in Glaucoma.

Dosage and Usage

• Follow the prescribed strength: isopto carpine 1, isopto carpine 2, or isopto carpine 4, as written on the label.
• Usual dosing: 1 drop in the affected eye(s) up to four times daily. Some regimens use less or more frequent dosing initially.
• Before use: wash hands, remove contact lenses, and check the bottle seal.
• Instillation: tilt head back, pull down the lower lid, and place one drop into the pocket.
• Close the eye gently and press the inner corner (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1–2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, fingers, or any surface.
• If using other eye medicines, wait at least 5–10 minutes between products. Use gels/ointments last.
• Contact lenses: benzalkonium chloride (if present) can discolor soft lenses. Remove lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.
• Missed dose: instill when remembered, unless close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Report new floaters, flashes, or sudden vision changes promptly.

• Store at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F). Do not freeze. Keep the cap closed tightly.
• Protect from light and excessive heat. Keep the bottle upright in a clean, dry place.
• For travel: keep your drops in carry-on luggage. Avoid leaving them in a parked car.
• Do not share eye drops with others. Mark the date the bottle was opened.
• Follow the label for in-use shelf life; many multi-dose eye drops are used within 4 weeks after opening.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Pilocarpine can lower intraocular pressure within hours. Isopto Carpine offers multiple strengths for tailored therapy, including isopto carpine 2 eye drops for moderate potency needs. The drop format is familiar, and dosing can be spread across the day. The medicine pairs with other classes to reach target pressure when one agent is not enough.

Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy often reduces the isopto carpine cost meaningfully. Many customers save about 60–80% compared with typical US pharmacy prices. Multi-month supplies can lower the per-month expense. Reorder reminders help maintain continuity, so refills arrive before bottles run out.

Side Effects and Safety

• Eye irritation, burning, or redness after instillation
• Blurred or dim vision, especially in low light due to miosis
• Brow ache, headache, or eye ache
• Increased tearing
• Temporary nearsighted shift or accommodative spasm
• Small pupil size that can impact night driving or tasks in dim rooms

Serious or rare events include retinal detachment, especially in predisposed eyes (high myopia or prior retinal disease), and anterior uveitis. Systemic cholinergic effects are uncommon but can include sweating, salivation, bronchospasm, or bradycardia. Use with caution in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or when miosis is undesirable (e.g., active iritis). Seek medical care if severe pain, halos, or sudden vision loss occur.

Onset Time

Intraocular pressure reduction can begin within 30–60 minutes after a dose. Peak effect often occurs around 1–2 hours. The effect can last 4–8 hours, depending on strength and individual response. Steady control relies on regular dosing at the intervals set by the prescriber. Visual effects from miosis can appear quickly and may persist for several hours.

Compare With Alternatives

Many patients use pilocarpine alongside, or instead of, other classes. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors lower aqueous humor production and are dosed two or three times daily. A branded option is Azopt® (brinzolamide), which is often well tolerated and can be combined with pilocarpine.

Topical beta-blockers such as Timolol reduce aqueous production and are commonly used once or twice daily. They can provide additive pressure lowering with pilocarpine. Cardiopulmonary contraindications may limit use in some people.

Prostaglandin analogs increase uveoscleral outflow and are usually once daily at night. Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) is in this class and may offer strong efficacy with simple dosing. Selection depends on target pressure, tolerability, and systemic considerations.

Combination Therapy

• Pilocarpine + beta-blocker (e.g., timolol): additive IOP lowering for daytime control.
• Pilocarpine + carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (e.g., brinzolamide or dorzolamide): complementary mechanisms.
• Pilocarpine + prostaglandin analog (e.g., latanoprost): once-nightly agent plus daytime miotic coverage.
• When combining multiple drops, separate instillations by at least 5–10 minutes.
• Use nasolacrimal occlusion to limit systemic exposure.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Isopto Carpine can suit adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need further pressure reduction. It may be chosen when daytime pressure spikes are a concern. People with a history of retinal disease, highly myopic eyes, or active uveitis may need other options. Those with significant cataract symptoms may notice more glare or dim vision with miosis.

Night driving can be harder with small pupils. Discuss work and lifestyle needs with the prescriber when planning timing and strength, such as isopto pilocarpine 2 versus 4. Individuals with asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need caution with cholinergic agents.

Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before each dose and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion. Report new floaters or flashes promptly. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their clinician to weigh risks and benefits. Children require specialist guidance.

To manage the isopto carpine price, consider multi-month orders to reduce shipping fees per bottle. Ask about bulk promotions when available. Set reorder reminders so refills are placed before the current supply runs low. Orders can be placed online or by phone during office hours.

Authoritative Sources

Alcon Professional Site

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Pilocarpine Ophthalmic

FDA Drugs@FDA: Pilocarpine Ophthalmic Solution

Order Isopto Carpine® from YouDrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the product label.