Uses of Pilocarpine

Pilocarpine is used to treat certain types of glaucoma (a rise in the pressure within the eye) and to reverse the effect of medicines that cause the pupil of the eye to enlarge. 

Therapeutic Category

Pilocarpine: Cholinergic agonists   

How Pilocarpine works

Pilocarpine affects the eye muscles causing the pupil of the eye to get smaller. It also reduces the pressure within the eyeball by decreasing the production of aqueous humor (fluid in the eye).

Common side effects of Pilocarpine

• Itching, smarting and burning sensation around the eye
• Urticaria (red skin rash with itching)
• Swelling, redness or pain of the eyelid
• Swollen front part of the eye (conjunctiva)
• Temporarily blurred vision and short sightedness
• Difficulty seeing in poor light
• Enlarged of the veins in the eye
• Headache and brow ache (particularly in young patients at the start of treatment)
• Bleeding in forepart of the eye
• Detached retina (the inner surface of the eye) 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• In case of accidental overdose or poisoning
• Increased sweating
• Muscle shaking
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Watering of the mouth

Health Tips for Pilocarpine

• Take pilocarpine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the recommended dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment. Do not adjust the dose without consulting your doctor
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while using Pilocarpine as it can increase the risk of side effects
• Remove your contact lenses prior to the administration Pilocarpine
• Do not drive or use machines while using Pilocarpine