Medicines/Generics/Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate)

Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate)

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This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview

Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) is a cholinomimetic tertiary amine alkaloid, obtained from the leaves of the plants of the genus Pilocarpus having predominantly muscarinic effects. Its actions are similar to those of methacholine. Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) is used topically to produce miosis and transient rise and persistent fall in intra-ocular pressure; used in the treatment of glaucoma. Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) is also used to stimulate saliva production in xerostomia (dry mouth) after radiotherapy.

Indications

Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) is primarily indicated in conditions like Accommodative esotropia, Glaucoma.

Contraindications

Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) is contraindicated in conditions like Inflammation, Acute iritis, Uncontrolled asthma.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate), which give rise to further complications include Retinal detachment, Malignant glaucoma, Eustachian tube disturbances, Middle ear disturbances. Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary edema, Bronchospasm. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) include Bronchospasm, Diarrhea, Sweating, Abdominal pain, Abdominal cramps, Pallor, Nausea & vomiting, Lacrimation, Salivation, Urination, Cyanosis. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Visual disorders, Blurred vision, Conjunctival irritation, Follicular conjunctivitis, Myopia, Lacrimal passage stenosis.

Warnings

Pilocarpine should be used with caution in patients with other eye problems, asthma, intestinal disease, ulcers, low or high blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, seizures or Parkinson's disease. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor or dentist about the use of the drug. Do not allow any one else to use this medication. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

Adult Dosage

1 to 2 % (1.5 (1.5)) 8 hourly Ophthalmic — - 2 to 4 % (3 (3)) 8 hourly Ophthalmic — drops.

Child Dosage

1 to 2 % (1.5 (1.5)) 8 hourly Opthalmic — -

Neonatal Dosage

1 to 2 % (1.5 (1.5)) 8 hourly Opthalmic — -

Drug Interactions

Pilocarpine (HCl, Nitrate) is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementHomatropine (HBr) These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Storage

Eye Drops Store Below 40°C.