Pilocarpine



Isopto® Carpine; Pilopine HS®; Salagen®







Pilocarpine

(pye loe KAR peen)

U.S. Brand Names
Isopto® Carpine; Pilopine HS®; Salagen®
Canadian Brand Names
Diocarpine; Isopto® Carpine; Pilopine HS®; Salagen®
Pharmacologic Category
Cholinergic Agonist; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma; Ophthalmic Agent, Miotic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to pilocarpine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat dry mouth.
  • This medicine is used to treat glaucoma.
How does it work?
  • Pilocarpine increases saliva.
  • It lowers pressure in the eye.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • Solution:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
  • Gel:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Place medicine inside the lower lid. Close the eye for 1-2 minutes. Roll eyeball around.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Blurred vision. Use caution when driving or doing other tasks that require you to have clear vision.
  • Decreased night vision. Use caution when driving or doing other tasks that require clear vision. Keep work area well lit.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe flushing.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: