Faculty Of Pharmacy
Name:
Hamed Ibrahim Saif
ID:
223109
Topic name:
Pilocarpine
1. Source (Natural or Synthetic):
Source: Pilocarpine is a natural alkaloid derived from the leaves of the Pilocarpus
species, particularly Pilocarpus jaborandi, a shrub native to South America.
2. Mechanism of Action:
Pilocarpine is a muscarinic receptor agonist. It stimulates muscarinic receptors (M3)
in various glands and smooth muscles, leading to increased glandular secretions and
muscle contractions. In the eye, it causes constriction of the pupil (miosis) and
contraction of the ciliary muscle, which improves fluid drainage and reduces
intraocular pressure, helpful in treating glaucoma. In the salivary glands, it
promotes increased saliva production.
3. Pharmacological Activity:
Cholinergic Agonist: Pilocarpine’s pharmacological activity mainly involves its
action as a parasympathomimetic agent. It mimics acetylcholine by binding to
muscarinic receptors, which enhances secretions from exocrine glands (like saliva
and sweat) and stimulates smooth muscle contraction.
4. Therapeutic Uses:
Glaucoma: Used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle or angle-
closure glaucoma.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Often prescribed for dry mouth due to Sjögren's
syndrome or radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, as it stimulates saliva
production.
Miotic Agent: Sometimes used to induce miosis (pupil constriction) in certain
ophthalmic conditions.
5. Side Effects:
Ophthalmic Use: Blurred vision, eye irritation, eye pain, and reduced night vision.
Oral Use: Sweating, nausea, chills, increased urination, dizziness, flushing,
gastrointestinal discomfort, and headache.
Systemic Effects: May lead to cardiovascular issues (like bradycardia), respiratory
complications (in asthmatic patients), and excessive sweating.
6. Drug-Drug Interaction:
Beta-Blockers: Concurrent use can increase the risk of bradycardia and
hypotension.
Anticholinergic Drugs: Drugs with anticholinergic properties (e.g., atropine,
antihistamines) may counteract pilocarpine’s effects, especially in saliva
production.
Other Parasympathomimetics: Increased cholinergic effects and risk of side effects
when used with other cholinergic agonists or cholinesterase inhibitors.
7. Contraindications:
Acute Iritis and Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: In patients with specific eye conditions
that might worsen with miosis.
Asthma: Due to potential exacerbation of bronchoconstriction.
Cardiovascular Conditions: Should be used with caution in patients with
cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmias and hypotension.
8. Generic / Commercial Name:
Generic Name: Pilocarpine
Commercial Names: Common brand names include Salagen (for dry mouth) and
Isopto Carpine (for glaucoma).1. Source (Natural or Synthetic)
Source: Pilocarpine is a natural alkaloid derived from the leaves of the Pilocarpus
species, particularly Pilocarpus jaborandi, a shrub native to South America.
