Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

Presbyopia, Miosis, laser eye surgery + 8 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

What is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

PilocarpineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPilocarpine is a drug that works by stimulating certain receptors in the body. It is used to reduce pressure in the eye and treat glaucoma. It does not have any nicotine-related effects and is broken down slowly in the body.
Isopto Carpineis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Isopto Carpine
Pilocarpine
1974
62

Effectiveness

How Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Affects PatientsPilocarpine is a drug that helps stimulate the production of fluid in the body's organs, like the glands that produce sweat and saliva. When used around the eye as a single dose, pilocarpine can cause the pupil to shrink and temporarily raise pressure in the eye before lowering it. It can also cause increased activity in the intestines and respiratory tract, as well as increased tone and movement in the urinary tract, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Pilocarpine can have strange effects on the cardiovascular system, such as causing a brief period of low blood pressure before raising it, or causing both a slow
How Pilocarpine Hydrochloride works in the bodyPilocarpine is a drug that helps increase the secretion of body fluids. When applied directly to the eyes, it causes the iris muscles and ciliary muscles to contract. This is because pilocarpine mainly affects muscarinic receptors.

When to interrupt dosage

The endorsed dose of Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is subject to the diagnosed state, such as Open Angle Glaucoma, Miosis and laser eye surgery. The quantity of dosage hinges on the manner of administration referenced in the accompanying table.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Presbyopia
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Radiotherapy
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Miosis
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Dry Mouth
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Ocular Hypertension
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Open Angle Glaucoma
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
chronic open-angle glaucoma
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
laser eye surgery
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Glaucoma, Closed-Angle
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Inadequate reduction of intraocular pressure on pilocarpine or beta-blocker monotherapy
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

Warnings

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Asthma
Do Not Combine
Iritis
Do Not Combine
Miosis disorder
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pilocarpine may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Pilocarpine Hydrochloride.
Common Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acetaminophen
Major
The metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Antipyrine
Major
The metabolism of Antipyrine can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Apremilast
Major
The metabolism of Apremilast can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Arformoterol
Major
The metabolism of Arformoterol can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Asunaprevir
Major
The metabolism of Asunaprevir can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Pilocarpine Hydrochloride?

60 active clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth, Insufficient Intraocular Pressure Reduction on Pilocarpine or Beta-Blocker Monotherapy, and Sjögren's Syndrome.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
laser eye surgery
0 Actively Recruiting
Open Angle Glaucoma
12 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Miosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Radiotherapy
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Ocular Hypertension
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Presbyopia
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
chronic open-angle glaucoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)
0 Actively Recruiting
Glaucoma, Closed-Angle
0 Actively Recruiting
Dry Mouth
0 Actively Recruiting
Inadequate reduction of intraocular pressure on pilocarpine or beta-blocker monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Pilocarpine Hydrochloride?

5Patient Review
6/21/2017
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
This medication has been vital for me. It's kept me alive and well.
4.7Patient Review
11/20/2021
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth
Salagen improved my mouth sores by 90%. I was originally taking 15mg, but I think 20mg would be even better.
4.3Patient Review
7/5/2014
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
This medicine works beautifully- no more dry mouth or eyes; however, the sweating episode that starts about 1/2 hour after taking each (of 4 pills a day), is an awful side effect. If I could just reduce the sweating, this would be the 'perfect' medicine!
4.3Patient Review
10/9/2014
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
I've seen a significant difference in my dry mouth and eyes since taking this medication. I often forget to take it before meals, but doing so afterwards still works well. Another plus is that I sweat much less now; however, there are periods where I'll sweat more randomly throughout the day and night. All in all, though, I'm happy with the results.
4.3Patient Review
4/26/2016
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
I took this medication for six months with no issues and saw good results. However, I developed ulcers as a result of taking the pill; and keep in mind, I was only taking one pill per day. I would urge caution to anyone with existing stomach problems, although I didn't have any when starting this medication. Just beware...
4Patient Review
6/2/2017
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
I take 5mg three times per day and it's helped my dry mouth a lot. The only downside is that for the first hour or so after each dose, I have to be careful of choking on all the saliva my mouth produces! But this is still better than suffering from dry mouth without the medication. It also helps with my dry eyes, but not as much as it does for my mouth.
4Patient Review
5/18/2016
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth
I typically notice the effects of this medication about 15 minutes after taking it. It really helps to increase saliva production, but unfortunately the effects don't seem to last very long - usually only a couple of hours. I've also noticed that I sweat more while on this medication, but thankfully that side effect doesn't seem to last as long as the others. All in all, I'm grateful for what this medication can do, even if it is only temporary relief.
3Patient Review
3/13/2017
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
This medication has helped alleviate my dry mouth symptoms, although I still experience some dryness during the night. It can cause chills and sweating, so I make sure to take it earlier in the day rather than close to bedtime.
2.7Patient Review
5/3/2014
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth
2.7Patient Review
10/15/2018
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth caused by Radiation Therapy
I tried this for one month and found it quite expensive. I'm not sure if I'll give it another go.
2.3Patient Review
9/6/2015
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth caused by Radiation Therapy
Pilocarpine didn't do anything for me, unfortunately.
2Patient Review
6/24/2022
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth caused by Radiation Therapy
I had to get radiation treatment for cancer on my head. Ever since then, I've been taking this medication four times a day for a year and a half. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped with the dry mouth or sweating issues I've been having.
2Patient Review
8/20/2019
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth
This didn't work for me. My doctor recommended seeing a specialist instead of a dentist.
1.7Patient Review
4/22/2021
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
The vertigo I experienced after taking this medication was so severe that I had to go to the emergency room. Thankfully, they were able to stop the spinning a few days after I stopped taking the medicine. Needless to say, I will never take this again!
1Patient Review
4/27/2019
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome
I've been taking 20mg/day of this treatment for a month now, and I haven't seen any significant changes in my eyes or mouth. I'm still sweating, but not excessively. My blood pressure has gone up, and I'm having difficulty swallowing and sore throat. Overall, I don't think this treatment is worth the money.
1Patient Review
3/2/2022
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth
The side effects of this drug were not worth the dry mouth and weird feeling in my mouth it was supposed to help. I got headaches, blurry vision, and night sweats. No thank you.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about pilocarpine hydrochloride

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is pilocarpine hydrochloride used for?

"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."

Answered by AI

How effective is pilocarpine for dry mouth?

"The dose of the trial medication was chosen based on previous studies and a report that pilocarpine improves symptoms in 50% of patients compared to 25% of patients taking placebo."

Answered by AI

What does pilocarpine do to your eyes?

"Pilocarpine ophthalmic can be used to prevent increased pressure in the eye during and after certain types of laser eye surgery. It can also be used during an eye exam to constrict the pupil."

Answered by AI

Does pilocarpine have side effects?

"The following side effects may occur while taking this medication: sweating, nausea, runny nose, chills, flushing, frequent urge to urinate, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor. This medication may also cause an increase in tears."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

Have you considered Pilocarpine Hydrochloride clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Pilocarpine Hydrochloride clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Pilocarpine Hydrochloride clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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