Pilocarpine, Eye

Miotic, Antiglaucoma Preps · Cholinergic

Indications

Emergency treatment of glaucoma. As a miotic to reverse weaker mydriatics. Elevated intraocular pressure.

Dosage

Adults & Children: Emergency, 1 drop every five min, until miosis achieved. As a miotic, 1 or 2 drops. Elevated intraocular pressure: 1 drop into the affected eye up to 4 times daily.

Adverse Effects

Temporary loss of visual acuity. Local irritation, conjunctival vascular congestion, myopia, increased pupillary block, retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, headache, browache.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Acute iritis. Anterior uveitis, some forms of secondary glaucoma, acute inflammatory disease of the anterior segment, soft contact lenses. Precautions: History of retinal detachment, pre-existing renal disease, fundus examination recommended prior to initiation of treatment, night driving. Cardiac disease, asthma, hypertension, peptic ulceration, urinary tract obstruction, Parkinson's disease, corneal abrasions.

Interactions

Corticosteroids, systemic anticholinergics, antihistamines, pethidine, sympathomimetics, TCADs, anticholinesterases, MAOIs, phenothiazines, adrenergic blockers.

Advice to Patient

Wash hands properly before use. Remove contact lenses before use. Wait 15 minutes before reinserting. To instill medication into eyes, tilt head back, look upward, instill drops into the eye. Close eye and roll eyeball in all directions. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Contact prescriber if there is eye pain; eye damage; eye infection; redness, burning, watering, puffiness around eyes; changes in vision; loss of vision, no improvement or worsening of condition. Apply gentle pressure to inner corner of eye for 30 seconds. Avoid touching tip of applicator with eye. Do not share medication with anyone else. Wait 5 minutes before instilling any other medication. Be cautious while driving at night or doing activities in dim light.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: Within 1 hr. Duration: 4-14 hrs. Metabolism: Possibly occurs at the neuronal synapses and in the plasma. Half-life elimination: 0.76 hrs. Time to peak effect: 1.5-2 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.