About pilocarpine nitrate
Muscarinic agonist eye medicine
Used for
- Lowers eye pressure in glaucoma
- Constriction of the pupil during eye examinations
Usual adult dose
Glaucoma: usually one drop in the affected eye up to four times daily; examination dosing varies.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; specialist dosing depends on the condition.
Common side effects
- Eye irritation, burning, or blurred vision
- Headache or brow ache
- Small pupil and difficulty seeing in dim light
- Rarely, retinal detachment or systemic effects
Important warnings
- May temporarily impair vision, especially in dim light.
- Use caution with retinal disease or risk of retinal detachment.
- Can rarely cause breathing difficulty, sweating, or a slow heartbeat.
- Contact lenses may need removal before use.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; human pregnancy information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Use cautiously; systemic absorption is low, but evidence is limited.
Interactions
- Other eye-pressure medicines may increase effects.
- Anticholinergic medicines can 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.