What is pilocarpine hydrochloride used for?

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).

What are the actions of pilocarpine?

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.

What is pilocarpine used for in dogs?

Its use in dogs and cats to treat dry eye or glaucoma, or to diagnose cranial nerve lesions is ‘off label’ or ‘extra-label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.

How do you give pilocarpine solution?

Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes.

Can you use pilocarpine long term?

A recent multi-center study in SS patients suggests that oral pilocarpine is effective and safe for long-term administration.

How quickly does pilocarpine work?

Onset of miosis after topical administration of a 1% solution of pilocarpine hydrochloride or nitrate to the conjunctival sac occurs within 10-30 minutes, with maximal effect within 30 minutes. Miosis usually persists for 4-8 hours, rarely, up to 20 hours.

How long does pilocarpine take to work?

Does pilocarpine cause miosis?

Pilocarpine will also cause constriction of the pupillary sphincter muscle, resulting in miosis. The allowable daily dose is 30 mg. [5] With excessive dosing, it can propagate a cholinergic crisis.

Does pilocarpine lower BP?

Pilocarpine may have paradoxical effects on the cardiovascular system. The expected effect of a muscarinic agonist is vasodepression, but administration of Pilocarpine may produce hypertension after a brief episode of hypotension. Bradycardia and tachycardia have both been reported with use of Pilocarpine.

Is Cevimeline better than pilocarpine?

Conclusion: Both drugs showed efficacy in increasing the salivary flow in healthy volunteers, but cevimeline was more effective than pilocarpine.

How safe is pilocarpine?

No serious adverse events or laboratory examination abnormalities correlated with pilocarpine administration were found. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that orally administered pilocarpine is safe and effective for treating xerostomia in juvenile-onset SS patients.

Can pilocarpine raise blood pressure?

Pilocarpine may have paradoxical effects on the cardiovascular system. The expected effect of a muscarinic agonist is vasodepression, but administration of Pilocarpine may produce hypertension after a brief episode of hypotension.

Is the pilocarpine hydrochloride a muscarinic receptor agonist?

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is a selective M3-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptor ( M3 muscarinic receptor) agonist. For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

What are the side effects of pilocarpine in the eye?

Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye, temporary blurred vision, poor vision in dim light, headache, or brow ache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What kind of prescription do I need for pilocarpine?

In the U.S. Available Dosage Forms: Pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions. Pilocarpine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.

How to report side effects of pilocarpine in Canada?

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before using pilocarpine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride ); or if you have any other allergies.