General Drug Information and Indications
How to Give this Medication
Give this medication to your pet exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. If you miss giving your pet a dose of demecarium bromide, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.
One of the advantages of demecarium bromide is that it may be administered only once or twice a day.
Demecarium bromide is frequently also prescribed for the non-affected eye. In almost all cases of glaucoma in one eye, the non-affected eye will also develop glaucoma if it is not monitored and appropriately medicated.
Administering eye medications to animals can be a struggle and may require patience and practice. Try not to touch the tube or container tip to your dog’s eye or eyelid. It is also important to not contaminate the medication by touching the tip with your fingers or hand. Your veterinarian can help you develop a technique that will be effective and minimally stressful for both you and your dog.
Wash your hands after giving your pet this medication.
Side Effects
Be sure to discuss any side effects with your veterinarian immediately.
Local inflammation of the eye (Iritis) may occur with demecarium bromide. Topical ophthalmic corticosteroid drops or ointment may be prescribed to diminish irritation.
Systemic side effects are generally related to digestive distress (vomiting and diarrhea) although heart related symptoms are possible. Particular care should be exercised with small breed dogs, or when high doses are used.
Precautions
Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Demecarium bromide is a prescription drug and should be used according to your veterinarian’s directions. It should only be given to the animal for which it was prescribed. Do not give this medication to a person.
Demecarium bromide should not be used during pregnancy.
There are two classifications of glaucoma, primary and secondary and they have different causes. Demecarium bromide is only used in animals with primary glaucoma.
Drug Interactions
Be sure to review with your veterinarian any medications or supplements your pet may be receiving.
Demecarium bromide should be used with caution with other drugs from the same family: carbamate or organophosphate drugs or succinylcholine because of the increased chance of systemic side effects.
If you’re vet has prescribed additional ophthalmic medications for your pet, give the medications 5-10 minutes apart.
Overdose
Overdose may cause GI distress, low blood pressure, low heart rate and difficulty breathing.
If you suspect your pet or another animal was overdosed accidentally or has eaten this medication inadvertently, contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A.’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Always bring the prescription container with you when you take your pet for treatment.
If you or someone else has accidentally ingested this medication call the National Capital Poison Center at 800.222.1222.
Storage
Different strengths or dosage forms of demecarium bromide may have different storage requirements. Read the labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the prescription you receive.
