Ecothiopate
Ecothiopate is a long-acting cholinesterase inhibitor used in ophthalmology to reduce intraocular pressure. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased acetylcholine activity that causes pupil constriction and improved aqueous humor drainage. This medication is primarily used for treating glaucoma and certain types of eye misalignment.
Ecothiopate is an eye medication used to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients by inhibiting cholinesterase enzymes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01EB03
- RxNorm
- 89778
- Generic
- Ecothiopate
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Phospholine Iodide
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Ecothiopate is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other forms of glaucoma, as well as convergent strabismus (eye misalignment). It helps reduce intraocular pressure to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss.
As an organophosphate anticholinesterase inhibitor, ecothiopate irreversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This increases acetylcholine levels in the eye, causing miosis (pupil constriction), ciliary muscle contraction, and improved outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork.
Ecothiopate is typically reserved for cases resistant to other glaucoma medications due to its systemic absorption and potential side effects including brow ache, blurred vision, and iris cysts. Patients should be monitored for systemic cholinergic effects. Its use has declined with the availability of safer, more selective agents.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy