Medication Summary

Pilocarpine hydrochloride sometimes can be used as a trial medication to evaluate symptoms related to edge glare and optical aberrations secondary to IOL decentration.

Class Summary

For temporary pupillary constriction to relieve symptoms of optical aberrations.

Pilocarpine HCL (Akarpine, Ocusert Pilo-40, Pilostat, Piloptic, Salagen)

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Pilocarpine, with a chemical name of (3S-cis)-2(3H)-Furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1H -imidazol-5-yl)methyl], monohydrochloride, has a molecular weight of 244.72. Pilocarpine HCl ophthalmic solution is a sterile solution for ophthalmic administration having the following composition: a direct-acting cholinergic parasympathomimetic agent, which acts through direct stimulation of muscarinic neuroreceptors and smooth muscle such as the iris and secretory glands. Pilocarpine produces miosis through contraction of the iris sphincter, causing increased tension on the scleral spur and opening of the trabecular meshwork spaces to facilitate outflow of aqueous humor. Outflow resistance is thereby reduced, lowering intraocular pressure.

Follow-up

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Author

Lihteh Wu, MD Ophthalmologist, Costa Rica Vitreo and Retina Macular Associates

Lihteh Wu, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Club Jules Gonin, Macula Society, Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, Retina Society

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Bayer; Quantel Medical, Roche<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Bayer Health; Quantel Medical, Roche.

Coauthor(s)

Robert H Graham, MD Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona

Robert H Graham, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, Arizona Ophthalmological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD Clinical Professor of Health Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Steve Charles, MD Founder and CEO of Charles Retina Institute; Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Disclosure: Received royalty and consulting fees for: Alcon Laboratories.

Chief Editor

John D Sheppard, Jr, MD, MMSc Professor of Ophthalmology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Clinical Director, Thomas R Lee Center for Ocular Pharmacology, Ophthalmology Residency Research Program Director, Eastern Virginia Medical School; President, Virginia Eye Consultants

John D Sheppard, Jr, MD, MMSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Uveitis Society, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: 1-800-DOCTORS; AbbVie; Alcon; Aldeyra; Allergan; Alphaeon; ArcScan; Baush+Lomb; Bio-Tissue; Clearside; EyeGate; Hovione; Mededicus; NovaBay; Omeros; Pentavision; Portage; Santen; Science Based Health; Senju; Shire; Sun Pharma; TearLab;TearScience;Topivert<br/>Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AbbVie; Alcon; Allergan; Bausch+Lomb; Bio-tissue; EyeGate;Hovione;LayerBio; NovaBay;Omeros;Portage; Santen; Shire; Stemnion; Sun Pharma;TearLab;TearScience; Topivert <br/>Received research grant from: Alcon; Aldeyra; allergan; Baush+ Lomb; EyeGate; Hovione; Kala; Ocular Therapeutix;Pfizer; RPS; Santen;Senju;Shire;Topcon; Xoma.

Additional Contributors

Brian A Phillpotts, MD Ophthalmologist, St Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute

Brian A Phillpotts, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Diabetes Association, American Society of Retina Specialists, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Rafael Alberto García Saenz, MD Ophthalmologist and CoFounder, OFTALUC Specialty Clinic; Chief Physician of Ophthalmology Service, Clinical Chief, Mexico Social Security Hospital, Costa Rica

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Teodoro Evans, MD Consulting Surgeon, Vitreo-Retinal Section, Clinica de Ojos, Costa Rica

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.