Pilocarpine – Uses, Side Effects, Price in Pakistan

Pilocarpine is a medication used to treat a variety of conditions, most notably dry eye syndrome and glaucoma. It works by increasing the production of tears, promoting the drainage of fluid from the eyes, and relaxing the muscles in the eye to reduce pressure. 

We will discuss the uses, interactions, side effects, dosage, administration, storage, safety considerations, and substitutes of pilocarpine. Keep reading to learn more about this medicine and how it can help you.

About Pilocarpine:

Pilocarpine is a drug that is commonly used to treat a condition of vision loss due to increased pressure. The drug works by reducing pressure in the eye by stimulating the muscles in the iris to constrict, allowing fluid to drain from the eye. Pilocarpine can also be used in other conditions, such as dry mouth, to increase saliva production.

• Manufactured By: Ethical Laboratories (PVT) 
• Trade Name: Isopto Carpine 
• Drug Class: Miotic (Cholinergic) 
• Route of Administration: Topical eye drops by mouth. 
• Elimination Half-Life: 0.76 hours (5mg) 

Furthermore, you can also connect with the best eye specialist for details about the usage of this medicine.

What is the price of Pilocarpine in Pakistan? 

In Pakistan, pilocarpine will cost 129 rupees for 5ml drops in 2023. It is available both online and at pharmacies.

Uses of Pilocarpine:

Pilocarpine is a prescription drug used to treat:

• Glaucoma, a condition that occurs when pressure builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. 
• It is also used to treat dry mouth caused by radiation therapy as well as salivary gland disorders. 

Patients should contact their eye specialist immediately if they experience any serious adverse effects, including signs of an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by the doctor.

Common Side Effects of Pilocarpine: 

Common side effects associated with pilocarpine use include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Redness of the eyes
• Altered color perception 

Other more serious side effects such as hypertension, chest pain, and breathing difficulties have also been reported. 

Always speak with a doctor before taking pilocarpine to ensure that it is the right treatment for your condition. In addition, as with any medication, it is important to be aware of any potential interactions with other drugs or supplements. 

Note: This medication should not be taken during pregnancy, as it can be harmful to the unborn fetus.

Interactions of Pilocarpine with other medicines: 

It belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic agonists and may also interact with other drugs, such as:

• Anticholinergics
• Beta-agonist
• Acebutolol 
• Amikacin 
• Aprotinin
• Ambenonium

Caution: It should not be taken with alcohol or with other food items.  

Other Information: 

The list of important information regarding pilocarpine is as follows:

1. Storage: 

• The most important thing to remember when storing pilocarpine medicine is to keep it away from heat and light.
• Pilocarpine should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. 
• It is also essential to keep pilocarpine out of the reach of children and pets. 
• If you need to travel with pilocarpine, it should be kept in its original container with the lid tightly sealed. 
• If you do not plan on using the remaining medicine, it should be disposed of according to the instructions provided by your doctor. 

2. Safety Considerations: 

When taking pilocarpine medicine, it is important to take safety considerations into account. 

• Patients should consult with a healthcare professional prior to taking pilocarpine medicine, to discuss potential interactions with other medications, potential side effects, and any allergic reactions.
• Patients should also discuss any lifestyle changes that may be necessary while taking pilocarpine medicine, such as avoiding alcohol or reducing physical activity. 
• Additionally, it is important to follow all instructions provided by the doctor including dosing instructions and  special instructions for storage and disposal of pilocarpine. Any adverse reactions should be reported to the prescribing healthcare provider. 

By taking these safety considerations into account, patients can ensure that their use of pilocarpine medicine is safe and effective.

3. Substitutes of Pilocarpine: 

Here are a few medications that can be used if pilocarpine is not available:

• Latanoprost ophthalmic
• Lumigan
• Xalatan
• Timolol ophthalmic
• Brimonidine ophthalmic
• Travatan Z

In Conclusion:

Pilocarpine is a drug used to treat a variety of conditions including glaucoma, dry mouth, and nerve pain. It is important to understand its uses, interactions, and side effects before taking it. Additionally, one should always follow their doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and administration, as well as any special precautions or warnings they may have. With the right information, pilocarpine can be a safe and effective treatment option.

Consult with eye specialist before using pilocarpine. 

FAQs:

1. Can you use pilocarpine if you have asthma symptoms? 

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with uncontrolled asthma, since it may worsen the patient’s condition.

2. Can pregnant women use pilocarpine medicine? 

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women, unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.