Why is pilocarpine contraindicated in inflammatory glaucoma?
Pilocarpine is also contraindicated in uveitis and secondary glaucoma because its miotic effect may predispose to posterior synechiae and pupillary occlusion. A frequently observed side effect after prolonged use is conjunctival hypersensitivity which warrants dilution of the pilocarpine or discontinuance of this drug.
Does pilocarpine reduce IOP?
Results: During the diurnal period, pilocarpine significantly reduced IOP from a baseline of 18.2 ± 0.5 mmHg on PGA monotherapy to 17.1 ± 0.4 mmHg, P < 0.01. Similarly, pilocarpine significantly lowered IOP during the nocturnal period from 21.1 ± 0.7 to 20.0 ± 0.6 mmHg, P < 0.01.
How does pilocarpine treat angle closure glaucoma?
In eyes with narrow angles, pilocarpine increases the angle width as the effect of reduced iris thickness and iris root pull is greater than the forward movement of the iris-lens diaphragm due to ciliary muscle contraction.
Why is pilocarpine not used for open angle glaucoma?
Some studies say that pilocarpine is strictly confined to treating narrow-angle glaucoma only, as its adverse side effects are generally poorly tolerated. [7] However, if used appropriately, pilocarpine is known to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma by 20 to 25% and increase salivation in those with xerostomia.
What is the primary use of pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine is a medication used to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As eye drops it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to bring about constriction of the pupil following its dilation.
What is pilocarpine most commonly used for?
Pilocarpine tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck or in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. This medicine may help you speak without having to sip liquids.
What are the contraindications of pilocarpine?
Who should not take PILOCARPINE HCL?
- mental problems.
- detachment of the retina of the eye.
- inflammation of the iris – the colored part of the eyeball.
- closed angle glaucoma.
- high blood pressure.
- low blood pressure.
- asthma attack.
- bronchospasm.
What are the side effects of taking pilocarpine?
Side Effects
- Chest pain.
- diarrhea (continuing or severe)
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (continuing or severe)
- headache (continuing or severe)
- nausea or vomiting (continuing or severe)
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
- stomach cramps or pain.
- tiredness or weakness (continuing or severe)
Who should not use pilocarpine?
You should not use pilocarpine if you are allergic to it, or if you have: untreated or uncontrolled asthma; or. narrow-angle glaucoma.
Can you use pilocarpine long term?
The optimal dose of oral pilocarpine, which was less likely to cause side effects, was 5 mg four times daily. A recent multi-center study in SS patients suggests that oral pilocarpine is effective and safe for long-term administration.
What are side effects of pilocarpine?
Which condition is pilocarpine most commonly used for?
What does pilocarpine treat?
Pilocarpine tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck or in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome.
Is pilocarpine safe for patients with nearsightedness?
However, pilocarpine has many side effects, including an increased risk of retinal detachment, for which patients with nearsightedness (common in pigmentary glaucoma patients) already have a slightly increased risk.
How do you lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma with pilocarpine?
If indicated, intraocular pressure can be lowered with topical anti-glaucoma drops. Pilocarpine is particularly effective in preventing pigment liberation by causing the iris to move forward, relieving the contact between the iris and zonules.
What medications are used to treat pigmentary glaucoma?
The usual medications that lower eye pressure for open-angle glaucoma are also used for pigmentary glaucoma. Some advocate using an older glaucoma medication called pilocarpine because it sometimes can alter the anatomy of the eye so that there is less chafing and pigment dispersion.
What is posterior pigmentary glaucoma (PDS)?
Pigmentary glaucoma and PDS occur when pigment is released from the iris pigment epithelium due to rubbing of the posterior iris against the anterior lens zonules. The disease is more prevalent in males, and typically presents in the 3rd-4th decade of life.