PILOCAR 1% DROPS

What is Pilocarpine for:

This medication is a muscarinic receptor agonist, prescribed for glaucoma, and for dry mouth (xerostomia) in patients with Sjogrens syndrome. It is also used as an antidote for some alkaloid drug poisoning. It works by increasing the secretion of saliva.

How does Pilocarpine work:

Pilocarpine helps make more saliva.

How should Pilocarpine be used:

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. It is also comes as eye drops, to instill over the eyes and as an injectable solution.

Common side effects of Pilocarpine :

Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and staying in cool places may help. Headache. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Nose stuffiness. Passing urine often. Blurred eyesight. Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug

What precautions should I take when taking Pilocarpine :

If you have an allergy to pilocarpine or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have any of these health problems: Asthma, glaucoma, or very bad liver disease. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Trouble breathing. Very bad flushing. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Pilocarpine with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Pilocarpine :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Antiglaucoma Preparations