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Pilocarpine
INFORMATION ABOUT PILOCARPINE
Pilocarpine Uses
Pilocarpine is used in the treatment of dry mouth after radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.
How Pilocarpine works
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist. It works by stimulating certain nerves and glands in your body thereby increasing the production of saliva, tears, sweat, digestive juices and other secretions.
Common side effects of Pilocarpine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Dizziness, Blurred vision, Diarrhea, Stinging in the eyes, Superficial keratitis, Burning eyes, Eye itching, Eye redness, Lacrimation (flow of tears)
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Lipika Khurana
PGDHHM, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
20 Feb 2021 | 12:33 PM (UTC)
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Frequently asked questions for Pilocarpine
Pilocarpine can decrease the heart rate. However, it does not increase the heart rate.
Pilocarpine increases blood pressure. However, no clinically relevant effect on weight has been reported with the use of Pilocarpine.
Yes, Pilocarpine helps dry eyes by increasing the production of tears.
Pilocarpine acts by increasing the activity of chemical acetylcholine, thereby, increasing the secretion from various glands including salivary glands and tear glands. Due to its cholinergic effect, it also constricts the pupil of the eye and improves the outflow of aqueous humor (fluid in within the eye) contributing to reduction in eyeball pressure.
Yes, Pilocarpine causes blurred vision. But, it does not cause hair loss.
Pilocarpine decreases heart rate by increasing the effect of a chemical called as acetylcholine.
Pilocarpine lowers intraocular pressure by constricting the ciliary muscle of the eyes, therefore increasing the outflow of fluid (aqueous humor) from posterior part of the eye.