Qlosi Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Qlosi Eye Drops contain pilocarpine hydrochloride 0.4%, a cholinergic agonist, used to treat presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision) in adults. The drops come in preservative-free, single-use vials and work by temporarily making the pupil smaller to improve near focus. Qlosi is applied as one drop in each eye, with effects starting in about 20 minutes and lasting up to 8 hours if a second dose is used.

What is Qlosi Eye Drops

Qlosi is a prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision, called presbyopia, in adults. It contains a low dose of pilocarpine hydrochloride and comes in preservative-free, single-use vials.

Qlosi Eye Drops uses

• Treats presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision) in adults
• Helps improve the ability to see nearby objects and small print, such as when reading, using a phone, or viewing menus
• Pilocarpine temporarily makes the pupil smaller, which can improve near vision while maintaining useful distance vision

Benefits of Qlosi Eye Drops

• Helps you see close objects clearly without needing reading glasses
• Starts to work in about 20 minutes
• Effects can last up to 8 hours if a second dose is taken
• Makes the pupil smaller, which helps you focus better on things up close
• Comes in convenient preservative-free, single-use vials

How Qlosi Eye Drops works

Qlosi contains pilocarpine, which stimulates receptors in the muscle that controls your pupil. This causes the pupil to become smaller, which helps you focus on nearby objects.

Qlosi Eye Drops dosage

Instill one drop in each eye; this can be repeated a second time after 2 to 3 hours. Qlosi can be used once a day or as needed, up to twice a day. If you are using more than one eye medicine, wait at least 5 minutes between using each one. Remove contact lenses before using the drops and wait 10 minutes after dosing before putting them back in. Avoid touching the tip of the vial to your eye or any other surface to prevent injury or contamination, and discard each single-use vial after one use.

During the first week of starting Qlosi, it is recommended to use it twice a day, every day, in each eye to help your eyes adjust. Keeping your eyes closed for about 10 seconds after each drop may help reduce initial discomfort.

Available forms and strengths

• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) in single-patient-use vials
• Pilocarpine hydrochloride 0.4%

Side effects of Qlosi Eye Drops

Common

• Mild pain, stinging, or irritation when the drop is put in the eye
• Headaches
• Temporary blurred vision
• Trouble seeing in dim light or at night
• Eye pain or irritation when the drop is applied — about 5–8%
• Headache — about 5–8%
• Temporary dim or dark vision
• Temporary difficulty when changing focus between near and distant objects

Serious

• Sudden onset of flashes of light, floaters, or vision loss (possible sign of retinal detachment)
• Inflammation of the iris (iritis)
• Retinal tear or detachment — seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden flashes of light, new floaters, or vision loss
• Allergic reaction — stop use and seek medical help if severe swelling, rash, or breathing difficulty occurs

Warnings and precautions

• Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, since there isn't enough research on Qlosi's safety during pregnancy
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding, since there is no data on whether Qlosi passes into breast milk or affects a nursing infant
• Qlosi may temporarily cause blurred vision or difficulty changing focus between near and distant objects; do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear
• It may cause temporary dim or dark vision; use caution when driving at night or performing activities in poor lighting
• Rare retinal detachment has been reported with miotic medicines; a retinal examination is advised before starting Qlosi; seek immediate medical attention for sudden flashes, new floaters, or vision loss
• Remove contact lenses before use and wait 10 minutes before putting them back in
• If using other ophthalmic medicines, administer them at least 5 minutes apart
• Do not allow the vial tip to touch your eye or any other surface
• Do not use Qlosi if you are allergic to pilocarpine or any of its ingredients
• Discard the vial after use
• Qlosi is indicated for adults with presbyopia; it is not intended for pediatric use
• Use caution if you have inflammation of the iris (iritis); this medicine is not recommended for people with this condition
• Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is blurred, and be extra careful with night driving or other activities in poor lighting

Storage

• Store refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• Once a pouch is open, the single-patient-use vials may be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) and used within 30 days
• Store unused product away from light
• Discard opened vials after use

When to see a doctor

Get immediate medical care if you suddenly see flashes of light, floaters, or lose vision, as this could be a sign of retinal detachment.

Alternatives

• Vizz
• Vuity
• Pilocar
• Yuvezzi
• Isopto Carpine
• Aceclidine ophthalmic
• Ocu-Carpine
• Pilopine HS