Molecular Formula: C11H17ClN2O2
Molecular weight: 244.72 g/mol
CAS No: 54-71-7
ATC Code: N07AX01
Drug Class: cholinergic agonists
General Properties:
Description:
Pilocarpine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of (+)-pilocarpine, a medication used to treat increased pressure inside the eye and dry mouth. It contains a (+)-pilocarpine.
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of a natural alkaloid extracted from plants of the genus Pilocarpus with cholinergic agonist activity. As a cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent, pilocarpine predominantly binds to muscarinic receptors, thereby inducing exocrine gland secretion and stimulating smooth muscle in the bronchi, urinary tract, biliary tract, and intestinal tract. When applied topically to the eye, this agent stimulates the sphincter pupillae to contract, resulting in miosis; stimulates the ciliary muscle to contract, resulting in spasm of accomodation; and may cause a transitory rise in intraocular pressure followed by a more persistent fall due to opening of the trabecular meshwork and an increase in the outflow of aqueous humor.
A slowly hydrolyzed muscarinic agonist with no nicotinic effects. Pilocarpine is used as a miotic and in the treatment of glaucoma..
Indication:
Pilocarpine is a medication used to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As an eye drop it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to constrict the pupil after dilation. However, due to its side effects it is no longer typically used for long-term management. Onset of effects with the drops is typically within an hour and lasts for up to a day. By mouth it is used for dry mouth as a result of Sjögren syndrome or Pilocarpine stimulates the secretion of large amounts of saliva and sweat. It is used to prevent or treat dry mouth, particularly in Sjögren syndrome, but also as a side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
It may be used to help differentiate Adie syndrome from other causes of unequal pupil size.
It may be used to treat a form of dry eye called aqueous deficient dry eye adiation therapy.
