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Pilocarpine (Pilocarpine Hydrochloride) - Summary

 
 



PILOCARPINE SUMMARY

Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets contain pilocarpine hydrochloride, a cholinergic agonist for oral use. Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a hygroscopic, odorless, bitter tasting white crystal or powder, which is soluble in water and alcohol and virtually insoluble in most non-polar solvents. Pilocarpine hydrochloride, with a chemical name of (3S- cis)-2(3 H)-Furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1 H -imidazol-5-yl) methyl]monohydrochloride, has a molecular weight of 244.72.

Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for 1) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck; and 2) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.


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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Pilocarpine

A 12-week, double-masked, parallel-group study of the safety and efficacy of travoprost 0.004% compared with pilocarpine 1% in Chinese patients with primary angle-closure and primary angle-closure glaucoma. [2011.08]
OBJECTIVE: To examine the intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004% and pilocarpine 1% in Chinese patients with primary angle-closure (PAC) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) after laser iridotomy in China... CONCLUSIONS: Travoprost 0.004% once daily provides effective IOP-lowering efficacy with significantly greater IOP reduction from baseline when compared with pilocarpine 1% 4 times daily at 4 PM over the 12-week period. Travoprost 0.004% once daily is safe and well tolerated in PAC or PACG patients.

A phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pilocarpine for vaginal dryness: North Central Cancer Treatment group study N04CA. [2011.05]
Vaginal dryness is a common problem for which effective and safe nonestrogenic treatments are needed. Based on preliminary promising data that pilocarpine attenuated vaginal dryness, the current trial was conducted... Toxicity evaluation revealed more nausea, sweating, rigors, and urinary frequency with the pilocarpine arms compared with the placebo arm.

Tramadol-induced oral dryness and pilocarpine treatment: effects on total protein and IgA. [2011.04]
Pilocarpine induces a profuse flow of saliva, and it may re-establish saliva production in cases of drug-induced oral dryness. The aim of the study (a sub-study to the previous trial investigating the pilocarpine fluid effects in individuals suffering from drug-induced dry mouth) was to search for saliva quality changes induced by the treatments.

A phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pilocarpine for vaginal dryness: North Central Cancer Treatment group study N04CA. [2011]
Vaginal dryness is a common problem for which effective and safe nonestrogenic treatments are needed. Based on preliminary promising data that pilocarpine attenuated vaginal dryness, the current trial was conducted... Toxicity evaluation revealed more nausea, sweating, rigors, and urinary frequency with the pilocarpine arms compared with the placebo arm.

Comparison of the effects of pilocarpine and cevimeline on salivary flow. [2009.05]
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of low-dose pilocarpine and cevimeline as stimulants for salivary flow in healthy subjects... CONCLUSION: Both drugs showed efficacy in increasing the salivary flow in healthy volunteers, but cevimeline was more effective than pilocarpine.

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Clinical Trials Related to Pilocarpine

A Comparison of Orally Pilocarpine and Artificial Saliva in Xerostomy Treatment [Completed]

A Study to Investigate the Effect of Oral Doses of Pilocarpine on Salivary Secretion and Static Pupillometry in Healthy Subjects [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pharmacodynamic effect of oral doses of pilocarpine on salivary secretion in healthy male and female subjects. In addition, pharmacodynamic effect on static pupillometry will be evaluated as well as pharmacokinetics and safety and tolerability of oral doses of pilocarpine in healthy subjects.

Dose, Effects and Characteristics of Pilocarpine [Completed]
The purpose of this investigation, in which pilocarpine was given in repeated doses, was to

evaluate: Part I - the effects of different concentrations of pilocarpine hydrochloride on

intraocular pressure. Part II - the effects on intraocular pressure of glaucomatous patients

to pilocarpine 2% when given once, twice and four daily. In addition, we studied various attributes of the eye which may serve as indicators of responsiveness of individual patients to pilocarpine.

Effect of 0.1% Pilocarpine Mouthwash on Xerostomia [Completed]
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of 0. 1% pilocarpine mouthwash on subjective dryness, minor salivary flow rates and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate in xerostomic patients.

Efficacy of Cevimeline Versus Pilocarpine in the Secretion of Saliva [Completed]
The main objectives were: 1) To determine the efficacy of both cevimeline and pilocarpine in the secretion of saliva in patients with xerostomia, and 2) To compare the side-effects between the treatment for xerostomia with cevimeline and with pilocarpine.

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Reports of Suspected Pilocarpine Side Effects

Drug Ineffective (5)Intraocular Pressure Increased (2)Post Procedural Complication (2)Iris Bombe (2)Anterior Chamber Inflammation (2)Iris Adhesions (2)Angle Closure Glaucoma (2)Iris Disorder (2)Intraocular Pressure Test Abnormal (2)Glaucoma (1)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 1 ratings/reviews, Pilocarpine has an overall score of 3. The effectiveness score is 8 and the side effect score is 4. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst.
 

Pilocarpine review by 38 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   high intraocular pressure (glaucoma)
Dosage & duration:   one drop 3 times a day, both eyes (dosage frequency: every day) for the period of ten years
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   The drug caused the iris to contract so that the drains that relieve fluid buildup causing high pressure are pulled open. While using the drug the pressure in my eyes remained stable but high. It had the added benefit of sharpening my vision for a long time so that I did not need to wear glasses for reading phonebooks,etc.
Side effects:   The iris atrophied. It is now impossible for my pupil to open to adjust to changing light conditions. The iris aslo scarred to the lense making a followup cataract removal operation complicated. The drug sped up the formation of cataracts.
Comments:   The drug in drop form was put in each eye three times a day. It was a nuisance to have to carry it with me for mid day application. The chemicals in the drops sting and leave your eyes watering for a minute or so. Otherwise it was easy to use, although the proper technique for putting in the drops without touching the eyeball takes a little practice and a steady hand

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Page last updated: 2013-02-10

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