Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine) Side Effects, Dosage, Interaction Information

What is Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine)?

Pilocarpine belongs to category of miotics drugs. Pilocarpine is a type of cholinergic agents. It has prominent muscarinic actions and also stimulates gangliamainly through ganglionic muscarinic receptors. Applied to eye, it penetrates cornea and promptly causes miosis, ciliary muscle contraction and fall in intraocular tension lasting 4-8 hrs. For prolonged and uniform action an ocular insert has been developed. As soft contact lessoaked in pilocarpine soln  also provides sustained delivery It is used in the eye as 0.5 4% drops. Pilocarpine is a parasympathomimetic alkaloid obtained from the leaves of tropical American shrubs from the genus Pilocarpus. A drug used to increase salivation in people who have dry mouth caused by opioids or radiation therapy. Pilocarpine belongs to the family of drugs called alkaloids.

This drug is commonly sold as Brand Name Akarpine.

Indication/Contraindication for use of Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine)

• Open angle glaucoma.
• Soft lenses.
• To counteract mydriatics after they have been used for testing refraction and to prevent or break adhesions of iris with lens or cornea by alternating it with mydriatics.
• Acute iritis, infection or inflammation.

Side Effects of Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine)

Initial stinging sensation, painful spasm of accommodation

Dosage and Prescribing Information for Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine)

1-2 drops to be instilled in conjunctivaisac.

Drug Interactions of Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine)

Antagonised by corticosteroids.

Precautions while prescribing Pilocarpine (Akarpine and Almocarpine)

• Allergic reaction as follicular conjunctivitis occurs in sensitive persons on prolonged use.
• Start with the lowest concentration.