Pilocarpine relieves dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes associated with certain health disorders. A type of cholinergic agonist medication, pilocarpine is available by prescription only, in oral form or as an ophthalmic solution. Pilocarpine has similar effects as the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and it stimulates production of saliva and tears. Its therapeutic uses are limited by negative effects, as pilocarpine also can cause sweating, runny nose, frequent urination, swelling of the extremities (edema), dizziness, flushing, headaches, and unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Physicians prescribe pilocarpine to patients with Sjogren's syndrome. This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack moisture-producing glands, resulting in severe dryness of the eyes and mouth. Chronic dry mouth also can lead to dental problems. Patients usually take pilocarpine four times a day to help them talk without having to sip liquids and for better chewing, tasting, and swallowing function, as explained by Drugs.com. Additionally, pilocarpine helps these patients have more comfortable eyes without having to keep applying eye drops.
Radiation Therapy
Pilocarpine also is effective for treating dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancers, as explained by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Xerostomia is a common side effect of this therapy, and patients usually take the medication three times a day.
Glaucoma
Doctors use the ophthalmic form of pilocarpine to treat glaucoma, a condition in which people can gradually lose vision due to increased pressure in the eye. Pilocarpine does not cure glaucoma, but it can reduce the eye pressure and stop the disease from progressing. Ophthalmic pilocarpine is available in eye drops and gel to be applied daily and a controlled-release system applied once a week.
Diagnostic Use
Pilocarpine is also useful for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. The sweat test is called quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis, and it measures the amount of chloride in the individual's perspiration. A health care practitioner applies pilocarpine to the person's arm or leg, and an attached electrode drives the chemical into the skin to stimulate sweat. A gauze pad or filter paper absorbs the sweat, which is then analyzed. High levels of chloride in the perspiration indicate cystic fibrosis is present.
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