What are the side effects of pilocarpine?
- Chest tightness
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- hives, itching, skin rash
- irritation
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- redness of the skin
- swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
- trouble breathing
How should I take pilocarpine?
To use the eye gel:
- First, wash your hands. ...
- Immediately after using the eye gel, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). ...
What effect does pilocarpine have on the heart rate?
Stimulation of the vagus has two distinct effects upon the heart, a negative chronotrope and a negative inotrope. These separate functional activities are associated with different fibers of the vagus (Hofmann). Pilocarpine stimulates vagal endings whatever their function and has in consequence a negative chronotrope and a negative inotrope effect.
What is pilocarpine 5mg tab used for?
To make sure pilocarpine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), or other breathing disorder;
- glaucoma or vision problems;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- heart disease;
- gallbladder problems;
- mental illness;
- if you take heart or blood pressure medicine; or
- if you use a bronchodilator to treat a breathing disorder.
What is pilocarpine used for and how does it work?
Ophthalmic pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Pilocarpine is in a class of medications called miotics. It works by allowing excess fluid to drain from the eye.
Who should not use pilocarpine?
You should not use pilocarpine if you are allergic to it, or if you have: untreated or uncontrolled asthma; or. narrow-angle glaucoma.
What are pilocarpine eye drops used for?
Pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions. Vuity™ eye drops are used to treat presbyopia (age-related eye or vision problem). This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What are the side effects of taking pilocarpine?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attentionChest pain.confusion.diarrhea (continuing or severe)fainting.fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (continuing or severe)headache (continuing or severe)nausea or vomiting (continuing or severe)shortness of breath or troubled breathing.More items...•
Does pilocarpine make you gain weight?
2. Does Pilocarpine cause weight gain? If you already have heart conditions, then Pilocarpine may cause some changes to blood pressure, heart rhythm, etc. Some may experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, including abnormal weight gain.
Does pilocarpine affect blood pressure?
Pilocarpine strongly increases arterial pressure which activates baroreceptors, thereby enhancing the activity of NTS and CVLM neurons, before the release of inhibitory signals in the RVLM trying to reduce sympathetic activation.
Does pilocarpine help dry eyes?
Conclusions: : Oral pilocarpine is effective in improving the symptoms of patients with both aqueous-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye, and is safe for clinical use in Ophthalmology.
What type of glaucoma is pilocarpine used for?
About pilocarpine eye drops Pilocarpine eye drops are used for glaucoma. They are most commonly used for acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG). This occurs when the pressure inside your eye gets too high very quickly. AACG is sometimes referred to as acute closed-angle glaucoma, or simply, acute glaucoma.
Does pilocarpine affect vision?
After you apply pilocarpine, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. Vision in dim light may be affected. Do not drive (especially at night), use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Is pilocarpine safe to take?
Pilocarpine (Salagen) is often used long term, since there isn't a good way to reverse dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by radiation therapy or Sjogren's syndrome. The original clinical studies lasted for 12 weeks, but later studies have shown that it's safe to take for up to 3 years.
What drugs interact with pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine may cause drugs with "drying" effects (some antihistamines, anticholinergics such as certain drugs for asthma, over-active bladder, and Parkinson's) to work less well. Examples of affected drugs include chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, ipratropium, and tolterodine.
Is pilocarpine good for dry mouth?
Pilocarpine tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck or in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. This medicine may help you speak without having to sip liquids.
What to do if you sweat while taking pilocarpine?
If pilocarpine makes you sweat heavily, drink plenty of fluids so that you do not become dehydrated. If you are unable to drink enough fluids, talk with your doctor right away.
What is the name of the drug that helps with dry mouth?
Pilocarpine belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic agonists. It works by stimulating certain nerves to increase the amount of saliva you produce, making it easier and more comfortable to speak and swallow.
Does pilocarpine cause dry mouth?
Examples of affected drugs include chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, ipratropium, and tolterodine. These medications can also worsen dry mouth, causing pilocarpine to work less well. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Are you currently using Pilocarpine Hcl?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
How long does pilocarpine last?
However, if you use pilocarpine to induce (cause) miosis, the condition may last for up to 8 hours. However, pilocarpine concentration will determine how long effects will persist. You can speak to your healthcare professional to understand the drug’s mechanism of action and when you can experience changes in eye health.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Pilocarpine?
If you take pilocarpine, you should check first with your doctor about taking other medications. Drug interactions may occur.
What is the best medication for glaucoma?
What is Pilocarpine for Glaucoma? Pilocarpine is a common, generic medication used for glaucoma treatment. It belongs to a class of drugs called miotics . Glaucoma is an eye condition that can result in a gradual loss of vision.
What is the name of the pill that is used for eye pain?
Salagen®. In Canada, brand names for pilocarpine include: Minims Pilocarpine 2. Minims Pilocarpine 4. If your eye doctor recommends using pilocarpine, you should follow the care instructions. Not adhering to proper treatment could have unwanted side effects and health consequences.
Can pilocarpine be used for eye problems?
If your eye doctor recommends using pilocarpine, you should follow the care instructions. Not adhering to proper treatment could have unwanted side effects and health consequences.
Is pilocarpine good for glaucoma?
Pilocarpine has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for glaucoma treatment. The medication is not the first-line treatment for the eye condition. However, it does help reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) . Healthcare professionals may also use pilocarpine to manage other health problems, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome ...
What to tell your doctor before taking pilocarpine?
Before taking pilocarpine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pilocarpine (Pilopine HS, Salagen)or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
Can you get pregnant while taking pilocarpine?
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pilocarpine, call your doctor.
Does pilocarpine help with symptoms?
Pilocarpine will control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to take pilocarpine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pilocarpine without talking to your doctor.
Can you start pilocarpine with a doctor?
Your doctor may start you on an average dose of pilocarpine and adjust your dose depending on how well your symptoms are controlled and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with pilocarpine.
Does pilocarpine cause dehydration?
you should know that pilocarpine may cause you to sweat a great deal, which can cause dehydration .Be sure to drink plenty of water and call your doctor right away if you are having difficulty drinking enough fluid or if you think you may be dehydrated.
Can you take pilocarpine if you have glaucoma?
tell your doctor if you have asthma, acute iritis (uveitis; swelling and irritation inside the eye), or glaucoma (an eye disease).Your doctor may tell you not to take pilocarpine.
Can pilocarpine cause vision problems?
you should know that pilocarpine may cause changes in vision, especially at night, or when there is not enough light. Be careful when driving at night, or when performing dangerous activities in low lighting.
When was Pilocarpine first used?
Pilocarpine was isolated in 1874 by Hardy and Gerrard and has been used to treat glaucoma for more than 100 years. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It was originally made from the South American plant Pilocarpus.
What muscle does pilocarpine work on?
Pilocarpine also acts on the ciliary muscle and causes it to contract. When the ciliary muscle contracts, it opens the trabecular meshwork through increased tension on the scleral spur. This action facilitates the rate that aqueous humor leaves the eye to decrease intraocular pressure.
What is the medication used for glaucoma?
Pilocarpine is a medication used to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As eye drops it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to bring about constriction of the pupil following its dilation. However, due to its side effects it is no longer typically used in the long term management. Onset of effects with the drops is typically within an hour and lasts for up to a day. By mouth it is used for dry mouth as a result of Sjögren syndrome or radiation therapy.
What is the medication used to treat dry mouth?
Pilocarpine. Pilocarpine is a medication used to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As eye drops it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to bring about constriction of the pupil following its dilation.
What is the mechanism of action of pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine is a drug that acts as a muscarinic receptor agonist. It acts on a subtype of muscarinic receptor (M 3) found on the iris sphincter muscle, causing the muscle to contract - resulting in pupil constriction ( miosis ). Pilocarpine also acts on the ciliary muscle and causes it to contract.
Why is pilocarpine used in rats?
Research. Pilocarpine is used to induce chronic epilepsy in rodents, commonly rats, as a means to study the disorder's physiology and to examine different treatments. Smaller doses may be used to induce salivation in order to collect samples of saliva, for instance, to obtain information about IgA antibodies.
How is pilocarpine extracted?
Pilocarpine is extracted from the powdered leaf material in a multi-step process. First the material is treated with ethanol acidified with hydrochloric acid, and the solvents removed under reduced pressure. The resultant aqueous residue is neutralized with ammonia and put aside until the resin has completely settled.
What is pilocarpine ophthalmic?
Pilocarpine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).
What other drugs will affect pilocarpine ophthalmic?
Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Can pilocarpine make it harder to see?
Pilocarpine can make it harder for you to see at night or in low light. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how pilocarpine ophthalmic will affect you.
Can you give a child pilocarpine?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had: a detached retina; iritis; or. uveitis. Do not give pilocarpine ophthalmic to a child without medical advice. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is Pilocarpine used for?
Pilocarpine may also be used to treat dryness of the eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome.
Why do people take pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck or in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.
What is pilocarpine? What are the uses for pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic drug, that is, a drug that mimics the effects of the chemical, acetylcholine which is produced by nerve cells. Acetylcholine serves as a messenger between nerve cells and between nerve cells and the organs they control. For example, acetylcholine is responsible for causing the salivary glands to make saliva and the lacrimal glands to make tears to lubricate the eyes. In addition to its effects on the salivary and lacrimal glands, acetylcholine reduces the production of fluid within the eye. Pilocarpine eye drops have been used for many years to treat glaucoma, a condition in which pressure within the fluid of the eye is abnormally elevated and ultimately damages the eye and impares vision. In 1994, an oral formulation of pilocarpine was approved by the FDA for the treatment of dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, a treatment that damages the salivary glands and reduces their production of saliva. In 1998, the oral preparation was approved for the management of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that damages the salivary and lacrimal glands. Pilocarpine was first isolated from the leaves of Pilocarpus microphyllus (also called jaborandi) in 1875.
What is the dosage for pilocarpine?
Oral pilocarpine usually is taken three or four times daily. The recommended dose for radiation induced xerostomia is 5 to 10 mg three times daily.
What are the side effects of pilocarpine?
Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) is a frequent side effect of pilocarpine. Other side effects include:
When was pilocarpine approved?
In 1994, an oral formulation of pilocarpine was approved by the FDA for the treatment of dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, a treatment that damages the salivary glands and reduces their production of saliva. In 1998, the oral preparation was approved for the management of Sjögren's syndrome, ...
What is the role of acetylcholine in the production of tears?
For example, acetylcholine is responsible for causing the salivary glands to make saliva and the lacrimal glands to make tears to lubricate the eyes. In addition to its effects on the salivary and lacrimal glands, acetylcholine reduces the production of fluid within the eye.
Is pilocarpine secreted in breast milk?
It is not known if pilocarpine is secreted in human breast milk in amounts large enough to affect the nursing infant.
Is pilocarpine safe during pregnancy?
The safety of oral pilocarpine during pregnancy has not been evaluated. The physician and patient need to weigh the benefits and the unknown risk to the fetus before using pilocarpine during pregnancy.
Medical uses
- Pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth caused by radiotherapy in people with head and neck cancer and to treat dry mouth in people with Sjogren's syndrome (a condition that affects the immune system and causes dryness of certain parts of the body such as the eyes and mouth). Pilocarpine is in a class of medications called cholinergic agonists. It w...
Usage
- Pilocarpine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. When pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth caused by radiotherapy in people who have head and neck cancer, it is usually taken three times a day. When pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth in people who have Sjogren's syndrome, it is usually taken four times a day. Take pilocarpine at around the same times every day. Follow the …
Treatment
- Your doctor may start you on an average dose of pilocarpine and adjust your dose depending on how well your symptoms are controlled and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with pilocarpine. Pilocarpine will control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to take pilocarpine even if you feel well. Do …
Diet
- Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Risks
- Pilocarpine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Prevention
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, t…
Preparation
- It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Overview
Pilocarpine is a medication used to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As eye drops it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to bring about constriction of the pupil following its dilation. However, due to its side effects it is no longer typically used in the long term management. Onset …
Medical uses
Pilocarpine stimulates the secretion of large amounts of saliva and sweat. It is used to prevent or treat dry mouth, particularly in Sjögren syndrome, but also as a side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
It may be used to help differentiate Adie syndrome from other causes of unequal pupil size.
It may be used to treat a form of dry eye called aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE)
Adverse effects
Use of pilocarpine may result in a range of adverse effects, most of them related to its non-selective action as a muscarinic receptor agonist. Pilocarpine has been known to cause excessive salivation, sweating, bronchial mucus secretion, bronchospasm, bradycardia, vasodilation, and diarrhea. Eye drops can result in brow ache and chronic use in miosis. It can also cause temporary blurred vision or darkness of vision, temporary shortsightedness, hyphema and retinal detachme…
Pharmacology
Pilocarpine is a drug that acts as a muscarinic receptor agonist. It acts on a subtype of muscarinic receptor (M3) found on the iris sphincter muscle, causing the muscle to contract - resulting in pupil constriction (miosis). Pilocarpine also acts on the ciliary muscle and causes it to contract. When the ciliary muscle contracts, it opens the trabecular meshwork through increased tension on the scleral spur. This action facilitates the rate that aqueous humor leaves the eye to d…
Society and culture
Plants in the genus Pilocarpus are the only known sources of pilocarpine, and commercial production is derived entirely from the leaves of Pilocarpus microphyllus (Maranham Jaborandi). This genus grows only in South America, and Pilocarpus microphyllus is native to several states in northern Brazil.
Pilocarpine is extracted from the powdered leaf material in a multi-step process. First the materi…
Research
Pilocarpine is used to induce chronic epilepsy in rodents, commonly rats, as a means to study the disorder's physiology and to examine different treatments. Smaller doses may be used to induce salivation in order to collect samples of saliva, for instance, to obtain information about IgA antibodies.
Veterinary
Pilocarpine is given in moderate doses (about 2 mg) to induce emesis in cats that have ingested foreign plants, foods, or drugs. One feline trial determined it was effective, even though the usual choice of emetic is xylazine.
External links
• "Pilocarpine". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.