Pilocarpine

• Pilocarpine is a medication that stimulates muscarinic receptors, increasing fluid secretion.
• It is commonly prescribed for conditions like glaucoma and xerostomia (dry mouth).
• Available in various forms, including oral tablets and eye drops, each with specific applications.
• Dosage varies significantly based on the condition being treated and the formulation.
• Common side effects can include sweating, nausea, blurred vision, and headache.

What is Pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine is a parasympathomimetic agent, meaning it mimics the action of acetylcholine, a natural neurotransmitter in the body. Specifically, it acts as a non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist. This action primarily leads to increased secretion from exocrine glands, such as salivary, sweat, and lacrimal glands, and causes pupillary constriction (miosis) and ciliary muscle contraction in the eye. Its therapeutic effects are leveraged in various medical contexts due to these physiological responses.

Pilocarpine Uses and Mechanism of Action

Pilocarpine is primarily used for two main conditions: glaucoma and xerostomia (dry mouth). For glaucoma, it helps reduce intraocular pressure, which is crucial in preventing optic nerve damage and vision loss. In the case of dry mouth, often caused by Sjögren’s syndrome or radiation therapy to the head and neck, pilocarpine stimulates saliva production, significantly improving patient comfort and oral health.

The mechanism by which pilocarpine works involves its binding to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. In the eye, this binding causes the ciliary muscle to contract, opening the trabecular meshwork and facilitating the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. This is how pilocarpine effectively treats glaucoma. When used for dry mouth, pilocarpine stimulates muscarinic receptors on salivary gland cells, leading to increased saliva secretion. This dual action makes it a versatile medication for conditions affecting both ocular and salivary function.

Pilocarpine Dosage, Side Effects, and Eye Drop Information

The dosage of pilocarpine varies significantly depending on the condition being treated and the formulation (oral tablet or eye drops). For xerostomia, oral tablets are typically prescribed, often in doses of 5 mg or 7.5 mg, taken multiple times a day. For glaucoma, pilocarpine is most commonly administered as **Pilocarpine eye drops information**, with concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 6%, applied directly to the eye several times daily. It is crucial to follow a healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding dosage and administration to ensure efficacy and minimize risks.

Like all medications, pilocarpine can cause **Pilocarpine side effects and dosage**. Common side effects are often related to its cholinergic action and may include:

• Increased sweating (diaphoresis)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision, especially in dim light (due to miosis)
• Headache, particularly around the brow area
• Increased urination frequency
• Dizziness

More serious, though less common, side effects can include cardiovascular effects like bradycardia (slow heart rate) or hypotension (low blood pressure), especially in susceptible individuals. Patients should report any severe or persistent side effects to their doctor. When using pilocarpine eye drops, proper administration techniques are vital to ensure the medication reaches the eye effectively and to minimize systemic absorption. Always wash hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.