PILOCARPINE SUMMARY
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Tablets
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Tablets contain pilocarpine hydrochloride, a cholinergic agonist for oral use. Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a hygroscopic, odorless, bitter tasting white crystal or powder, which is soluble in water and alcohol and virtually insoluble in most non-polar solvents.
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Tablets are indicated for the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck.
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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Published Studies Related to Pilocarpine
A 12-week, double-masked, parallel-group study of the safety and efficacy of travoprost 0.004% compared with pilocarpine 1% in Chinese patients with primary angle-closure and primary angle-closure glaucoma. [2011.08]
OBJECTIVE: To examine the intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004% and pilocarpine 1% in Chinese patients with primary angle-closure (PAC) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) after laser iridotomy in China... CONCLUSIONS: Travoprost 0.004% once daily provides effective IOP-lowering efficacy with significantly greater IOP reduction from baseline when compared with pilocarpine 1% 4 times daily at 4 PM over the 12-week period. Travoprost 0.004% once daily is safe and well tolerated in PAC or PACG patients.
A phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pilocarpine for vaginal dryness: North Central Cancer Treatment group study N04CA. [2011.05]
Vaginal dryness is a common problem for which effective and safe nonestrogenic treatments are needed. Based on preliminary promising data that pilocarpine attenuated vaginal dryness, the current trial was conducted... Toxicity evaluation revealed more nausea, sweating, rigors, and urinary frequency with the pilocarpine arms compared with the placebo arm.
Tramadol-induced oral dryness and pilocarpine treatment: effects on total protein and IgA. [2011.04]
Pilocarpine induces a profuse flow of saliva, and it may re-establish saliva production in cases of drug-induced oral dryness. The aim of the study (a sub-study to the previous trial investigating the pilocarpine fluid effects in individuals suffering from drug-induced dry mouth) was to search for saliva quality changes induced by the treatments.
A phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pilocarpine for
vaginal dryness: North Central Cancer Treatment group study N04CA. [2011]
Vaginal dryness is a common problem for which effective and safe nonestrogenic
treatments are needed. Based on preliminary promising data that pilocarpine
attenuated vaginal dryness, the current trial was conducted... Toxicity evaluation revealed more nausea, sweating, rigors, and urinary frequency
with the pilocarpine arms compared with the placebo arm.
Comparison of the effects of pilocarpine and cevimeline on salivary flow. [2009.05]
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of low-dose pilocarpine and cevimeline as stimulants for salivary flow in healthy subjects... CONCLUSION: Both drugs showed efficacy in increasing the salivary flow in healthy volunteers, but cevimeline was more effective than pilocarpine.
Clinical Trials Related to Pilocarpine
A Comparison of Orally Pilocarpine and Artificial Saliva in Xerostomy Treatment [Completed]
Trial Comparing Oral Pilocarpine (Salagen) Versus Submandibular Salivary Gland Transfer Protocol, For the Prevention of Radiation (XRT) Induced Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients [Recruiting]
This is a study to see whether the drug Salagen or salivary gland transfer is better for the
prevention of dryness of the mouth in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation
treatment.
Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (ALTENS) or Pilocarpine in Treating Early Dry Mouth in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer [Recruiting]
RATIONALE: Acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) and
pilocarpine may help to relieve chronic xerostomia (dry mouth). It is not yet known which
remedy is more effective in treating chronic dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in
patients with head and neck cancer.
PURPOSE: This randomized phase II/III trial is studying ALTENS to see how well it works
compared with pilocarpine in treating chronic dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in
patients with head and neck cancer.
Pilocarpine in Treating Patients With Dry Mouth Caused by Opioids [Active, not recruiting]
RATIONALE: Pilocarpine may help to relieve dry mouth in patients receiving opioids for cancer
therapy. It is not yet known whether pilocarpine is more effective than no further treatment
for this condition.
PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to determine the effectiveness of pilocarpine in treating
patients who have dry mouth caused by opioids.
Bioequivalency Study of 5 mg Pilocarpine Tablets Under Fasting Conditions [Completed]
The objective of this study was the bioequivalence of a Roxane Laboratories' Pilocarpine
Tablets, 5 mg, to SALAGENŽ Tablets, 5 mg (MGI Pharma) under fasting conditions using a
single-dose, 2-treatment, 2-period, crossover design.
Reports of Suspected Pilocarpine Side Effects
Drug Ineffective (5),
Intraocular Pressure Increased (2),
Post Procedural Complication (2),
Iris Bombe (2),
Anterior Chamber Inflammation (2),
Iris Adhesions (2),
Angle Closure Glaucoma (2),
Iris Disorder (2),
Intraocular Pressure Test Abnormal (2),
Glaucoma (1), more >>
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PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTSBased on a total of 1 ratings/reviews, Pilocarpine has an overall score of 3. The effectiveness score is 8 and the side effect score is 4. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst.
| | Pilocarpine review by 38 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | |   |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | high intraocular pressure (glaucoma) |
| Dosage & duration: | | one drop 3 times a day, both eyes (dosage frequency: every day) for the period of ten years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The drug caused the iris to contract so that the drains that relieve fluid buildup causing high pressure are pulled open. While using the drug the pressure in my eyes remained stable but high. It had the added benefit of sharpening my vision for a long time so that I did not need to wear glasses for reading phonebooks,etc. |
| Side effects: | | The iris atrophied. It is now impossible for my pupil to open to adjust to changing light conditions. The iris aslo scarred to the lense making a followup cataract removal operation complicated. The drug sped up the formation of cataracts. |
| Comments: | | The drug in drop form was put in each eye three times a day. It was a nuisance to have to carry it with me for mid day application. The chemicals in the drops sting and leave your eyes watering for a minute or so. Otherwise it was easy to use, although the proper technique for putting in the drops without touching the eyeball takes a little practice and a steady hand |
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Page last updated: 2013-02-10
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