Pilocarpine : Therapeutic uses, Clinical uses, Indications, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions, Precautions, Contraindications & Brand names
Pilocarpine is a Cholinergic Agonist (Direct acting), used to treat Glaucoma, mainly used in ophthalmology (in the eye) via eye drops (Topically).
Dose : 5-10 mg (Oral), 0.5-6 % Solution (Opthalmic solution)
Route : Oral, Topical
Plasma Half-life : 0.76-1.35 hours
Duration of action : 4-8 hours
Bioavailability : N/A
Chemical formula : C11H16N2O
IUPAC name : (3S,4R)-3-Ethyl-4-((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one
Trade name : Pilocar, Carpine, Isopto carpine, Pilodrops, Salagen, Diocarpine, Miocarpine, Ocusert Pilo-20 & -40, Pilopine HS, Scheinpharm Pilocarpine, Timpilo
Therapeutic uses : Pilocarpine has following usage :
- Mainly used in ophthalmology (in the eye) via eye drops (Topically).
- Used to treat glaucoma (a third-line drug in open angle glaucoma) .
- Drug of choice for emergency lowering of intraocular pressure of both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
- Extremely effective in opening the trabecular meshwork around the Schlemm canal, causing an immediate drop in intraocular pressure as a result of the increased drainage of aqueous humor.
- Used as a Miotic agent in reversing mydriasis due to atropine.
- Pilocarpine hydrochloride is used for the treatment of xerostomia that follows head and neck radiation treatments or that is associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder occurring primarily in women in whom secretions, particularly salivary and lacrimal, are compromised.
Note :- Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as dorzolamide and β-adrenergic blockers such as timolol, are effective in treating glaucoma but are not used for emergency lowering of intraocular pressure.
Side effects : Pilocarpine causes following adverse effects :
- It can cause blurred vision, night blindness, brow ache, an initial stinging sensation in the eye and painful spasm of accommodation.
- Poisoning with this agent is characterized by exaggeration of various parasympathetic effects, including profuse sweating (diaphoresis) and salivation.
- The effects are similar to those produced by consumption of mushrooms of the genus Inocybe.
Note :- Parenteral atropine, at doses that can cross the blood–brain barrier, is administered to counteract the toxicity of pilocarpine.
Drug Interactions : Pilocarpine may interact with following drugs :
- β blockers such as propranolol, metoprolol.
- Antihistamines
- Anticholinergics
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist
- If you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
- Your medical history, especially of respiratory problems, eye conditions like glaucoma, heart problems, low or high bp, liver disease, gall bladder problems, seizures, GIT problems, psychiatric problems.
Contraindications
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
