Generic
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 4% Eye prep
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 4% Eye Prep is a miotic medicine used in the treatment of glaucoma and other eye conditions. It lowers high pressure inside the eye and helps prevent vision loss and nerve damage, and reverses the effect of medicines that increase pupil size.
Description
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that lowers intraocular pressure by allowing excess aqueous humor to drain from the eye. It constricts the pupil (miosis) and contracts the ciliary muscle, increasing aqueous humor drainage through the trabecular meshwork, reducing intraocular pressure. The 4% concentration provides the strongest miotic effect, often used in refractory glaucoma cases.
Indications
- Glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension
- Reversal of pupillary dilation caused by other medications
Therapeutic class
Ophthalmic Non-Steroid drugs
Pharmacological class
Cholinergic Agonist (Miotic)
Pharmacology
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that activates muscarinic receptors in the eye. It constricts the pupil (miosis) and contracts the ciliary muscle, increasing aqueous humor drainage through the trabecular meshwork, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. The 4% solution provides the strongest miosis and intraocular pressure reduction, often used for treatment-refractory glaucoma.
Mechanism of action
Lowers intraocular pressure by activating muscarinic receptors to increase aqueous humor drainage.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Ophthalmic):
- Glaucoma/Eye conditions: Instill 1-2 drops into the affected eye(s) 2-4 times daily
- Dose and duration as advised by the doctor
Administration
- For external use only
- Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface (to prevent contamination)
- Remove contact lenses before use
- Hold dropper close to the eye without touching it; place medicine inside the lower eyelid
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Accommodation disorder
- Eye irritation
- Eye pain
- Visual impairment (blurred vision)
Precautions & warnings
- May affect driving ability (difficulty adapting to dark and blurred vision)
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Consult doctor before using contact lenses
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pilocarpine or any ingredient
- Acute iritis
- Secondary glaucoma
Drug interactions
No known food interactions.
Food interactions
Not food-related (eye drops); it is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children; consult your doctor.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; consult your doctor.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No interactions found/established for kidney and liver disease.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if overused.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 4% Eye Prep