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molecule

Pilocarpine

Molecule Description

Pilocarpine is a medicine which belongs to class of cholinergic agonists and mi

mics the action of a hormone called acetylcholine.

uses

Uses of Pilocarpine

Mouth dryness (xerostomia) caused after radiation therapy in cancer Sjogren’s syndrome.
contraindications

Contraindications of Pilocarpine

When should one not use Pilocarpine

  • Allergy to Pilocarpine
  • Uncontrolled asthma
  • Glaucoma
  • Eye infection
  • Eye inflammation
sideEffects

Side effects of Pilocarpine

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Allergic reaction like- fever, chills, rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling over your face, lips, and throat
  • Irregular breathing or heartbeats, headache, chest pain, shaking, and vomiting
  • Increased tears or perspiration
  • Vision changes- blurred vision
  • Increased urination
  • Chilliness
  • Weakness
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Runny nose
  • Dizziness
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Pilocarpine

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Pilocarpine during pregnancy?
A:
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. It is unknown whether it harms the unborn baby. Hence a doctor’s discretion is necessary before you start this drug.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Pilocarpine while breastfeeding?
A:
  • It is unknown if this medicine can pass into breast milk and harm the child. Do not breastfeed while you are on Pilocarpine.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Pilocarpine?
A:
Pilocarpine may cause blurring of vision. Do not drive while you are taking Pilocarpine.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Pilocarpine?
A:
Pilocarpine may cause blurred vision as a side effect. This side effect may worsen with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while you are on this medicine.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • Lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Heart problems (e.g., heart failure, irregular pulse)
  • Gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones)
  • Stomach problems (e.g., ulcers)
  • Liver problems (e.g., impaired liver function)
  • Nervous system problems/ mental problems
  • Kidney problems (e.g., renal insufficiency or kidney stones)
  • Eye problems (e.g., narrow-angle glaucoma)
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Pilocarpine

How Does It Work?

Pilocarpine acts by increasing the secretion of saliva in the mouth from the salivary glands, thereby reducing mouth dryness.
interactions

Interactions of Pilocarpine

Interactions with other medicines

  • Beta-blockers (Atenolol, Metoprolol). These may increase the heart-related side effects when taken along with Pilocarpine
  • Anticholinergic agents (Ipratropium, Atropine). These decrease the efficacy of Pilocarpine
  • Parasympathetic agents (Bethanechol). These increase the side effects of Pilocarpine

Interactions with food items

This medicine has interactions with alcohol.
dosage

Dosage of Pilocarpine

Overdose

Excess Pilocarpine ingestion may cause tremors, head pain, change in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty, confusion, vision changes, diarrhea, vomiting. Seek emergency medical at...
Read more

Missed a Dose

Take medicine as soon as you remember. If the missed dose falls at the time of your next scheduled dose, then skip it. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Abhishek B L

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Pilocarpine?

  • You must inform your doctor if you are suffering from any diseases of the heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and gallbladder
  • If you suffer from allergy of any kind
  • If you have any psychiatric condition
  • If you suffer from retinal detachment or an eye infection
  • Pilocarpine can interact with other drugs hence inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, supplements, or herbs. Also, tell your physician if you are stopping any medication

Q: When and how to consume the medicine?

  • You must take medicine precisely the way it is prescribed by the physician. Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label
  • Do not alter the dose unless recommended by your doctor
  • Do not take it longer or shorter than advised
  • The medicine can be taken with or without food
  • Drink more fluids when you are on pilocarpine treatment
  • It may take about 12 weeks for the drug to act
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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