Pilocarpine Pharmacology

Pilocarpine

About Pilocarpine
Alkaloid,Cholinergic (a non-selective muscarinic) agonist, Antiglaucoma, Miotic.
Mechanism of Action of Pilocarpine
Pilocarpine is a direct acting cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent which acts through direct stimulation of cholinergic receptors and produces both muscarinic and nicotinic actions of Acetylcholine.
Pilocarpine produces miosis through contraction of the iris sphincter, causing increased tension on the scleral spur and opening of the trabecular mesh work spaces to facilitate outflow of aqueous humor. This will reduce the outflow resistance and also lowers intraocular pressure.
Pharmacokinets of Pilocarpine
N/A
Onset of Action for Pilocarpine
10 - 30 minutes
Duration of Action for Pilocarpine
4- 8 hours
Half Life of Pilocarpine
N/A
Side Effects of Pilocarpine
1. Myopia
2. Periorbital headache
3. Blurred vision
4. Ciliary spasm
5. Browache
6. Conjunctival irritation
7. Stinging
8. Burning
9. Keratitis
10. Lens opacity
11. Lacrimation
12. Retinal detachment
13. Itching
14. Changes in visual field
Contra-indications of Pilocarpine
1. Hypersensitivity to Pilocarpine
2. Acute iritis
3. Secondary glaucoma
4. Pupillary block glaucoma
5. Angle-closure glaucoma
6. Inflammatory disease of anterior chamber
Special Precautions while taking Pilocarpine
1. Stop the use of medicament if any allergic reactions occur
2. Avoid driving vehicle or operating machine
3. Asthma
4. Stomach ulcer
5. Parkinson`s disease
6. Difficulty in urinating
7. Acute cardiac failure
8. Hyperthyroidism
9. Gastrointestinal spasm
10. Hypertension
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Pilocarpine
1. Glaucoma
2. To counteract the mydriatic effect of sympathomimetic agents
Interactions for Pilocarpine
N/A
Typical Dosage for Pilocarpine
Pilocarpine drop 0.25, 0.5, 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 and 10% is available
Adult and children: 1 - 2 drop is instilled in to the affected eye 3 - 4 times daily.

Chronic open angle glaucoma:
Eye drop1-4 %solution is used: 1 - 2 drop is instilled in to the eye 2 - 6 times daily.
Eye gel: 4 % gel: apply ? inch ribbon at bed time
Ocusert: 20 - 40 mcg / hour every 7 days.

Acute narrow angle glaucoma in emergency:
Eye drop 2% solution: 1 drop every 5 minutes for 3 - 6 times followed by 1 drop every 1 - 3 hours until pressure is controlled.
To counteract the mydriatic effect of sympathomimetic agents:
Eye drop 1% solution: 1 drop in affected eye.
Schedule of Pilocarpine
N/A
Storage Requirements for Pilocarpine
Store in a cool dry place in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children. Discard the drug 1 month after opening.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Pilocarpine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Pilocarpine
A topical ocular overdose of an ophthalmic product containing Pilocarpine may be flushed from the eye(s) with warm tap water.

Home Delivery for Pilocarpine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including pilocarpine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for pilocarpine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for pilocarpine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take pilocarpine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for pilocarpine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for pilocarpine with the pharmacy.

Pilocarpine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for pilocarpine might be better known than pilocarpine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have pilocarpine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for pilocarpine.