Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Salagen, Pilocar, Isopto Carpine, Pilopine HS, Ocusert Pilo
Pilocarpine is a parasympathomimetic alkaloid and a muscarinic agonist used primarily to treat glaucoma and dry mouth (xerostomia). It works by stimulating muscarinic receptors, particularly M3, leading to increased secretions such as saliva and sweat, and contraction of the ciliary muscle in the eye, which facilitates aqueous humor outflow and lowers intraocular pressure. Pilocarpine is available in various formulations, including eye drops, oral tablets, and gels.
Used to treat glaucoma, dry mouth (xerostomia), and to reverse the effects of mydriasis.
Outcome:
Reduced effectiveness of pilocarpine
Mechanism:
Competitive antagonism at muscarinic receptors
Outcome:
Reduced efficacy for glaucoma
Mechanism:
Possible interference with prostaglandin synthesis
Outcome:
Reduced absorption of pilocarpine
Mechanism:
Altered gastric pH
Most likely new formulation: sustained-release pilocarpine implant for glaucoma (Year: 2026, 80% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and clinical trial activity, there is a 70% likelihood of new pilocarpine formulations for dry eye disease being approved within the next 5 years.
Cholinergic Agonist, Muscarinic Agonist
Alkaloid