More from Pilocarpine
Other strengths and forms by OSL Pharma Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Pilocarpine is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Pilocarpine hydrochloride works by directly stimulating cholinergic receptors. This causes the iris sphincter muscle to contract, narrowing the pupil (miosis), and the ciliary muscle to contract, which increases accommodation. It also lowers intraocular pressure by boosting the outflow of aqueous humor while reducing its inflow.
In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the precise way miotic drugs lower intraocular pressure isn't fully understood. It's thought that contraction of the ciliary muscle opens up the spaces between the trabecular fibers, helping aqueous humor drain more easily, while its inflow slows at the same time.
In angle-closure glaucoma, the constricted pupil appears to pull the iris away from the trabecular meshwork, clearing the blockage there and allowing drainage to resume.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Use 1 drop 2 to 4 times a day. To keep less of the medicine from passing into the rest of the body, press gently on the tear duct for one minute after each drop goes in.
Side Effects
Common side effects include temporary blurred vision, burning, stinging, redness and watering of the eyes, reduced night vision, eye irritation, and headache. Rare side effects include eye pain, increased sweating, muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation (watering of the mouth), and difficulty breathing or wheezing.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
If you notice blurred vision or changes in near or far sight, particularly at night, take care when driving after dark or doing hazardous work in poor light. Regular intraocular pressure measurements are recommended during therapy.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any ingredient, including excipients. Conditions where pupil constriction is undesirable (e.g. acute iritis). Retinal detachment, a past history of retinal detachment, or conditions that predispose to it.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety in pregnancy has not been established for pilocarpine. No problems have been recorded in human pregnancy so far. Even so, pilocarpine eye drops are absorbed into the body, so the medicine can still reach the whole system.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If someone takes too much Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, by accident or on purpose, the usual response is to dilute it with water and other fluids.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Pilocarpine Hydrochloride at room temperature and away from light. It's best not to use the contents more than 4 weeks after the bottle is first opened.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Pilocarpine 2 %
What is Pilocarpine 2 % Eye Drops?
Pilocarpine 2 % Eye Drops is a medicine that contains Pilocarpine Hydrochloride. It is made by OSL Pharma Ltd. It belongs to the Drugs affecting exocrine secretions group of medicines.
What is Pilocarpine used for?
Pilocarpine is used for: Hypertension, Glaucoma.
What are the side effects of Pilocarpine?
Common side effects include temporary blurred vision, burning, stinging, redness and watering of the eyes, reduced night vision, eye irritation, and headache. Rare side effects include eye pain, increased sweating, muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation (watering of the mouth), and difficulty breathing or wheezing.
Can I take Pilocarpine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Safety in pregnancy has not been established for pilocarpine. No problems have been recorded in human pregnancy so far. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Pilocarpine?
If someone takes too much Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, by accident or on purpose, the usual response is to dilute it with water and other fluids. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Pilocarpine?
Keep Pilocarpine Hydrochloride at room temperature and away from light. It's best not to use the contents more than 4 weeks after the bottle is first opened.
Can I take other medicines with Pilocarpine?
Some medicines can interact with Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, for example: Atropine Sulfate, Belladonna, Tropicamide + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.