About pilocarpine hydrochloride
Cholinergic muscarinic agonist
Used for
- Lowers eye pressure in glaucoma
- Treats acute angle-closure glaucoma with other medicines
- Can constrict the pupil after eye procedures
Usual adult dose
Usually 1–2 drops in the affected eye up to four times daily; acute angle closure dosing is specialist-directed.
Usual dose in children
For glaucoma, commonly 1 drop up to three times daily; dosing depends on age and specialist guidance.
Common side effects
- Eye irritation, redness, or pain
- Blurred or dim vision, especially in low light
- Headache or brow ache
- Rarely, retinal tear or detachment
Important warnings
- May impair night vision and driving
- Use cautiously with retinal disease or risk of retinal detachment
- Systemic effects can include sweating, nausea, or slowed heartbeat
- Seek urgent care for sudden vision loss or severe eye pain
Pregnancy
Eye-drop absorption into the body is low, but pregnancy safety information is limited; use only when clinically needed.
Breastfeeding
Limited information is available; systemic exposure from eye drops is usually low.
Interactions
- Other eye-pressure medicines may increase pressure-lowering effects
- Anticholinergic medicines may oppose pilocarpine’s effects
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.