Pilocarpine

Definition

A natural alkaloid extracted from plants of the genus Pilocarpus with cholinergic agonist activity. As a cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent, pilocarpine predominantly binds to muscarinic receptors, thereby inducing exocrine gland secretion and stimulating smooth muscle in the bronchi, urinary tract, biliary tract, and intestinal tract. When applied topically to eyes, this agent stimulates the sphincter pupillae to contract, resulting in miosis; stimulates the ciliary muscle to contract, resulting in spasm of accommodation; and may cause a transitory rise in intraocular pressure followed by a more persistent fall due to opening of the trabecular meshwork and an increase in the outflow of aqueous humor.

Also known as Ocusert Pilo, PILOCARPINE — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC N07AX01 per RXNORM
• ATC S01EB01 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C62068 per NCIT
• SCTID 372895002 per RXNORM
• SCTID 90356005 per RXNORM
• UNII 01MI4Q9DI3 per RXNORM

Indications