Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

Presbyopia, Miosis, laser eye surgery + 8 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

What is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride

Pilocarpine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Pilocarpine 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 Carpine

is 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 Patients

Pilocarpine 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 body

Pilocarpine 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

Glaucoma, Open-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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

Xerostomia

, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

Glaucoma, Angle-Closure

, 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, 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

Presbyopia

8 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3

Glaucoma

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma, Open-Angle

0 Actively Recruiting

Miosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma, Angle-Closure

0 Actively Recruiting

Open Angle Glaucoma

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Xerostomia

0 Actively Recruiting

laser eye surgery

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma

0 Actively Recruiting

Ocular Hypertension

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Radiotherapy

7 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2

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

5

Patient 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.

4.7

Patient 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.

4.3

Patient 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!

4.3

Patient 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.

4.3

Patient 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...

4

Patient 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.

4

Patient 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.

3

Patient 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.

2.7

Patient Review

5/3/2014

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth

2.7

Patient 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.

2.3

Patient Review

9/6/2015

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride for Dry Mouth caused by Radiation Therapy

Pilocarpine didn't do anything for me, unfortunately.

2

Patient 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.

2

Patient 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.

1.7

Patient 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!

1

Patient 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.

1

Patient 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

Image of Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto, Canada.

Virtual vs Telephone Education for Breast Cancer

18+
All Sexes
Toronto, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare whether the use of videoconferencing in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy is better for pre-treatment education than telephone calls. The main question it aims to answer is in breast cancer patient receiving radiotherapy, does videoconferencing, compared to telephone calls for pre-treatment education result in decreased procedural fears and concerns? The investigators hypothesize that the use of videoconferencing for pre-treatment radiotherapy education will decrease breast cancer patients' procedural fears and concerns. Researchers will compare the current standard of care in a 30 minute radiation therapist led pre-treatment education call to the intervention of a 45 minute radiation therapist led videoconferencing call to see if the intervention reduces patient procedural fears and concerns, anxiety levels, and has higher patient satisfaction. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at three time points: 1. Baseline - at time of study consent. 2. CT-Simulation - after their radiotherapy CT-Simulation appointment. 3. Day 1 Treatment - after their first day of radiotherapy treatment.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Princess Margaret Cancer Center

Have you considered Pilocarpine Hydrochloride clinical trials?

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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.
Go to Trials

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.
Go to Trials