Pilocarpine

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Regulated

Molecule Description

Pilocarpine is a medicine which belongs to class of cholinergic agonists and mimics the action of a hormone called acetylcholine.

Uses

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

Contraindications

When should one not use Pilocarpine

Allergy to Pilocarpine
Uncontrolled asthma
Glaucoma
Eye infection
Eye inflammation

Side effects

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

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

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.

Breast Feeding

It is unknown if this medicine can pass into breast milk and harm the child. Do not breastfeed while you are on Pilocarpine.

Driving

Pilocarpine may cause blurring of vision. Do not drive while you are taking Pilocarpine.

Alcohol

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.

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)

Mode of Action

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 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

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 attention immediately if you overdose.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You must inform your doctor if you are suffering from any diseases of the heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and gallbladderIf you suffer from allergy of any kindIf you have any psychiatric conditionIf you suffer from retinal detachment or an eye infectionPilocarpine 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

You must take medicine precisely the way it is prescribed by the physician. Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription labelDo not alter the dose unless recommended by your doctorDo not take it longer or shorter than advisedThe medicine can be taken with or without foodDrink more fluids when you are on pilocarpine treatmentIt may take about 12 weeks for the drug to act

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