What is pilocarpine 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).

People also ask, what is the mechanism of action of pilocarpine?

Mechanism Of Action

Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a direct acting cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent which acts through direct stimulation of muscarinic receptors and smooth muscle such as the iris and secretory glands.

One may also ask, what type of drug is 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 are the side effects of pilocarpine?

Common side effects may include:

increased sweating, urinating more than usual;
chills, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
headache, dizziness, weakness;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
blurred vision, watery eyes; or.
runny nose.

Can you use pilocarpine long term?

The optimal dose of oral pilocarpine, which was less likely to cause side effects, was 5 mg four times daily. A recent multi-center study in SS patients suggests that oral pilocarpine is effective and safe for long-term administration.

How long does it take pilocarpine to start working?

To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. You may continue to drink water or use saliva substitutes as needed for moisture in your mouth. You may start to feel some benefit in 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 3 months to feel the full benefit.

Can pilocarpine raise blood pressure?

Pilocarpine, in appropriate dosage, can increase secretion by the exocrine glands. 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.

How often should you take pilocarpine?

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.

How much pilocarpine can you take?

The recommended initial dose of SALAGEN® Tablets is 5 mg taken three times a day. Dosage should be titrated according to therapeutic response and tolerance. The usual dosage range is up to 15-30 mg per day. (Not to exceed 10 mg per dose.)

How long does it take for pilocarpine to wear off?

Reduction of intra-ocular pressure is evident within 60 minutes, peaks within 75 minutes and, depending on the concentration of pilocarpine used, persists for 4-14 hours. Spasms of accommodation commence in about 15 minutes and persist for 2-3 hours.

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.

Can you drink alcohol with pilocarpine?

You are advised not to drink alcohol during your treatment with Pilocarpine Eye Drops. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Pilocarpine Eye Drops can cause difficulty in adapting to the dark.

Is pilocarpine safe?

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pilocarpine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using pilocarpine. It is not known whether pilocarpine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Do pilocarpine side effects go away?

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of pilocarpine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

How do you take pilocarpine?

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.

Does pilocarpine cause blurred vision?

A: Blurred vision from glaucoma drugs is caused primarily by miotics (pilocarpine and carbachol). The blurred vision is due partly to constriction of the pupil (miosis, which is why these drugs are called miotics) and induced accommodation, which makes the eye more nearsighted.

How does pilocarpine work on the eye?

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.