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Pilocarpine

Information about Pilocarpine

Pilocarpine Uses

Pilocarpine is used in the treatment of dry mouth after radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.

How Pilocarpine works

Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist. It works by stimulating certain nerves and glands in your body thereby increasing the production of saliva, tears, sweat, digestive juices and other secretions.

Common side effects of Pilocarpine

Sweating, Frequent urge to urinate, Chills

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

20 Feb 2021 | 12:33 PM (UTC)

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Frequently asked questions for Pilocarpine

Pilocarpine

Q. Does Pilocarpine increase or decrease heart rate?

Pilocarpine can decrease the heart rate. However, it does not increase the heart rate.

Q. Does Pilocarpine cause weight gain/increase blood pressure?

Pilocarpine increases blood pressure. However, no clinically relevant effect on weight has been reported with the use of Pilocarpine.

Q. Does Pilocarpine help dry eyes?

Yes, Pilocarpine helps dry eyes by increasing the production of tears.

Q. Does Pilocarpine work?

Pilocarpine acts by increasing the activity of chemical acetylcholine, thereby, increasing the secretion from various glands including salivary glands and tear glands. Due to its cholinergic effect, it also constricts the pupil of the eye and improves the outflow of aqueous humor (fluid in within the eye) contributing to reduction in eyeball pressure.

Q. Does Pilocarpine cause blurred vision/hair loss?

Yes, Pilocarpine causes blurred vision. But, it does not cause hair loss.

Q. How does Pilocarpine affect heart rate?

Pilocarpine decreases heart rate by increasing the effect of a chemical called as acetylcholine.

Q. How does Pilocarpine lower intraocular pressure?

Pilocarpine lowers intraocular pressure by constricting the ciliary muscle of the eyes, therefore increasing the outflow of fluid (aqueous humor) from posterior part of the eye.