Generic
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is a cholinergic agonist used for the treatment of dry mouth after radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. It increases the production of saliva, tears, sweat, digestive juices, and other secretions, making speaking and swallowing easier.
Description
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates specific nerves and glands in the body to increase production of saliva, tears, sweat, digestive juices, and other secretions. It helps relieve dry mouth symptoms caused by salivary gland damage after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
Indications
- Dry mouth after radiotherapy of head and neck cancer
Therapeutic class
Parasympathomimetic drugs
Pharmacological class
Cholinergic Agonist (Muscarinic Receptor Agonist)
Pharmacology
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that activates muscarinic receptors. It stimulates exocrine glands such as salivary glands, lacrimal glands, sweat glands, and digestive glands. It increases saliva production by providing compensatory stimulation to salivary glands after head and neck radiotherapy.
Mechanism of action
Increases saliva and other secretions by activating muscarinic receptors.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Dry mouth: Dose and duration as advised by the doctor
- May be taken with or without food; take at a fixed time
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
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:
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Chills
Precautions & warnings
- May decrease alertness, affect vision, or cause sleepiness and dizziness; do not drive if these occur
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Caution in kidney and liver disease
- Not recommended in severe liver disease
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pilocarpine
- Bronchial asthma
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Acute iritis
- Cardiovascular disease
Drug interactions
- β-blockers: Risk of bradycardia and hypotension
- Anticholinergics: Decreased effect of pilocarpine
Food interactions
Take with food for better absorption; 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; dose adjustment may be needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; not recommended in severe liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Excessive cholinergic stimulation; bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression; treatment: Atropine (cholinergic antagonist), symptomatic supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride