What is pilocarpine hydrochloride used for?

Pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth caused by radiotherapy in people with head and neck cancer and to treat dry mouth in people with Sjogren’s syndrome (a condition that affects the immune system and causes dryness of certain parts of the body such as the eyes and mouth).

How does pilocarpine hydrochloride work?

Pilocarpine belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic agonists. It works by stimulating certain nerves to increase the amount of saliva you produce, making it easier and more comfortable to speak and swallow.

What is pilocarpine used for and how does it work?

Description and Brand Names Pilocarpine tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck or in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. This medicine may help you speak without having to sip liquids.

How does pilocarpine help in open angle glaucoma?

In open-angle glaucoma, pilocarpine contracts the ciliary muscle, increasing the outflow of aqueous humor, which reduces intraocular pressure.

What are the indications of pilocarpine?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for 1) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck; and 2) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome.

How effective is pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine is an effective treatment for mouth and eye dryness in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, a Phase 4 trial from Chile showed. The trial compared the medicine to artificial saliva for 12 weeks in patients with primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome.

Why is pilocarpine used for glaucoma?

Ophthalmic pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Pilocarpine is in a class of medications called miotics. It works by allowing excess fluid to drain from the eye.

Is pilocarpine an anticholinergic?

Salagen (pilocarpine hydrochloride) is a cholinergic agonist that increases saliva secretion in the mouth used in the treatment of dry mouth.

Is pilocarpine good for dry eyes?

Conclusions: Oral administration of pilocarpine was useful in treating severe dry eye unresponsive to conventional conservative treatment in patients with Sjögren syndrome from the standpoint of efficacy and safety. Thus, we conclude that oral pilocarpine is effective as a new option in treating severe dry eye.

Why pilocarpine is used in xerostomia?

Conclusions: Oral pilocarpine is likely to benefit patients with SS by reducing the symptoms of xerostomia, even if the salivary gland secretion rate does not increase.

When should I take pilocarpine?

Take your doses during (or straight after) a meal, and make sure you take your last dose of the day with your evening meal. If you are taking pilocarpine because you have Sjögren’s syndrome, the usual dose is one tablet four times daily. Take a tablet with each of your three main meals, and also one at bedtime.

How does pilocarpine hydrochloride work in the body?

Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a direct acting cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent which acts through direct stimulation of muscarinic receptors and smooth muscle such as the iris and secretory glands.

What are the side effects of taking pilocarpine at night?

pilocarpine may cause blurred vision, especially at night or in low light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather.

When to use pilocarpine hydrochloride for Iris ischemia?

Prior to pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution use, treatment with secretory suppressants and hyperosmotic agents may be needed to lower IOP below 50 mmHg and relieve iris ischemia.

What are the inactive ingredients in pilocarpine tablets?

Inactive ingredients in the tablet are: hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid and titanium dioxide. Each 7.5 mg Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablet, USP for oral administration contains 7.5 mg of Pilocarpine hydrochloride USP.