| DRUG |
BRAND(S) |
DOSAGE |
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS |
POSSIBLE
SIDE EFFECTS |
BE AWARE |
 |
| Dry Eyes |
|
|
Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion
|
Restasis
|
One drop in each eye twice per day, approximately 12 hours apart
|
Single-use vials must be used immediately upon opening and then discarded.
|
Blurred vision; burning, pain, itchy or stinging feelings in eye; discharge; foreign body sensation
|
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant. Do not use if you have an eye infection. Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication. |
|
|
Hydroxypropyl cellulose pellets
|
Lacrisert
|
1 pellet in lower lids twice per day
|
Small pellets are placed in lower eyelid. Adding artificial tears makes pellet dissolve, creating and locking in moisture.
|
Eye pain; irritation or redness of eye; vision changes
|
Carefully follow directions for inserting. Improper placement could cause corneal abrasion. Be careful when driving or using machinery. |
|
| Dry Mouth |
|
|
Cevimeline
|
Evoxac
|
30 mg three times per day
|
Start with a low dose and take after meals to minimize side effects. Allow 6 to 12 weeks of uninterrupted treatment before improvement is noticed.
|
Changes in heart rate (rare); diarrhea; excessive sweating; problems with night vision; nausea; rhinitis
|
Do not take if you have uncontrolled asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, significant cardiovascular disease, acute iritis or narrow-angle glaucoma. ?Let your doctor know if you take beta-adrenergic antagonists (beta blockers).
|
|
|
Pilocarpine
|
Salagen
|
5 or 7.5 mg three to four times per day, not exceeding 30 mg per day
|
Start with a low dose and take after meals to minimize side effects. Allow 6 to 12 weeks of uninterrupted treatment before improvement is noticed.
|
Change in blood pressure or heart rate; flushing; headache; sweating; urinary frequency
|
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