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Introduction About PILOCAR 2% DROPS
PILOCAR 2% DROPS contains Pilocarpine which belongs to the group of medicines called Cholinergic agonists. It is used to manage certain types of glaucoma (a rise in the pressure within the eye) and to reverse the effect of medicines that cause the pupil of the eye to enlarge.
Your doctor will ask you to remove your contact lenses prior to the administration of PILOCAR 2% DROPS and will regularly check your eyes before and during management, particularly if you have had any eye disorders.
PILOCAR 2% DROPS is not recommended for use in patients having some particular eye conditions where you can't let the pupil of the eye to constrict (Ex. inflammation of the iris, some types of glaucoma) or if you wear soft contact lenses. Before using PILOCAR 2% DROPS, inform your doctor if you have any heart, lung, kidney, stomach or eye problems.
PILOCAR 2% DROPS should be used with caution in pregnant and breast feeding women. In children, the doctor will prescribe the right dose of PILOCAR 2% DROPS depending on how they respond to management.
The most common side effects of PILOCAR 2% DROPS are eye itching, paining, burning, swollen eyelid, temporary blurred vision, headache, etc. See your doctor if any of the symptoms get worse.
Uses Of PILOCAR 2% DROPS
Used to:
- Manage certain types of glaucoma
- Reverse the effect of medicines that cause the pupil of the eye to enlarge
How PILOCAR 2% DROPS Works
PILOCAR 2% DROPS affects the eye muscles causing the pupil of the eye to get smaller. It also reduces the pressure within the eyeball by decreasing the production of aqueous humor (fluid in the eye).
How to use PILOCAR 2% DROPS
Always use PILOCAR 2% DROPS as directed by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands thoroughly. Pull your lower eyelid slowly and instill one or two drops of PILOCAR 2% DROPS inside the lower eyelid. Close your eyes and gently press on the inner corner of your eyelid for 1 minute to manage the drainage of the solution into your nose and throat.
If needed, repeat the same for the other eye. Correct dose and duration will be determined by your doctor depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Do not stop using PILOCAR 2% DROPS unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects Of PILOCAR 2% DROPS
Common
- itching, smarting and burning sensation around the eye
- urticaria (red skin rash with itching)
- swelling, redness or pain of the eyelid
- swollen front part of the eye (conjunctiva)
- temporarily blurred vision and short sightedness
- difficulty seeing in poor light
- enlarged of the veins in the eye
- headache and brow ache (particularly in young patients at the start of management)
- bleeding in forepart of the eye
- detached retina (the inner surface of the eye)
Rare
- change in blood pressure or heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- excessive tear secretion
Stop using PILOCAR 2% DROPS and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- increased sweating
- muscle shaking
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- trouble breathing or wheezing
- watering of the mouth
How To Manage Side Effects
Eye itching or burning:
Close your eyes and relax for some time. Place an ice pack on the eyes for few minutes. Avoid looking at mobile phone, laptop or any other light sources which might irritate your eyes. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Nausea or vomiting:
Stick to simple meals. Try to Avoid oil rich or spicy foods, sugary snacks and drinks. Try to drink liquid slowly along with your meals or in between meals. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Headache:
Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Try to take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee. Massage on scalp or head with mild pressure. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
PILOCAR 2% DROPS should be used with caution in women who are pregnant or planning to have baby. Consult your doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding
PILOCAR 2% DROPS should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before using it.

Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you have problems seeing well at night or blurred vision after taking PILOCAR 2% DROPS.

Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while using PILOCAR 2% DROPS.

Allergy
Do not use PILOCAR 2% DROPS you are allergic to Pilocarpine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs
PILOCAR 2% DROPS should be used with caution in patients having asthma. Consult your doctor for advice.

Heart Disease
PILOCAR 2% DROPS should be used with caution in patients having heart problems or high blood pressure. Consult your doctor for advice.
Others
PILOCAR 2% DROPS is not recommended for use if you:
- have any eye disorders where the constriction of the pupil should be avoided (Ex. inflammation of the iris, anterior uveitis, narrow angle glaucoma or secondary glaucoma)
- are wearing soft contact lenses
Before taking PILOCAR 2% DROPS, inform your doctor if you:
- have stomach ulcers
- have trouble passing urine
- have Parkinson’s disease
- have any other eye conditions
Use in Pediatrics:
In children, the doctor will prescribe the right dose of PILOCAR 2% DROPS depending on how they respond to> management. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before using PILOCAR 2% DROPS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to reduce pain or inflammation (Ex. prednisolone, clobetasol)
- medicines used to inhibit muscle contractions (Ex. neostigmine, physostigmine)
- medicines used to manage allergies (Ex. naphazoline, olopatadine)
- pethidine (used to manage pain)
- medicines used to manage depression (Ex. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline)
- other medicines used to make pupils smaller (Ex. phospholine iodide, carbachol)
- medicines used to enlarge your pupil (Ex. atropine, phenylephrine)
- medicines used to manage Parkinson’s disease (Ex. procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl)
- chlorpromazine (used to manage mental illness)
- orphenadrine (medicine used to relieve pain from sprains, strains or muscle injury)
- guanethidine (used to lower high blood pressure)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally used too much of PILOCAR 2% DROPS, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Pilocarpine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Cholinergic drugs |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Glaucoma, Miosis induction |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Eye drops, Ophthalmic solution, Injection |
More Information
- Keep PILOCAR 2% DROPS out of reach of children
- Store below 25°C away from the light
FAQs About PILOCAR 2% DROPS
Can I use PILOCAR 2% DROPS if I wear contact lenses?
Do not use PILOCAR 2% DROPS if you wear soft contact lenses. Your doctor will ask you to remove your contact lenses before using this medicine. There is no information on the effect of PILOCAR 2% DROPS on contact lenses. Therefore, do not wear your contact lenses until the effects of the medicine have completely worn off.
What if I accidentally swallow PILOCAR 2% DROPS?
PILOCAR 2% DROPS is for external use only. If you have swallowed or you suspect someone else has swallowed any of this medicine, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital at once. If possible, take the container with you, even if empty.
What if I miss a dose of PILOCAR 2% DROPS?
If you miss a dose of PILOCAR 2% DROPS, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip that dose if the time for the next dose is closer. Do not take PILOCAR 2% DROPS two times to make up for the missed dose.
Can I stop using PILOCAR 2% DROPS without consulting a doctor?
You should keep using PILOCAR 2% DROPS for as long as your doctor has asked. Your management is helping your condition, even if you have not noticed any improvement. If you want to stop your management, your doctor will advise you how to do this.
Can PILOCAR 2% DROPS affect my eyesight?
With long term use of PILOCAR 2% DROPS, it is possible that the lens of your eye may change shape resulting in changes to your eyesight. Consult your doctor if you experience any trouble to your eyesight.
References
1. Brunton L.L., Hilal-Dandan R, Knollmann B.C. Muscarinic Receptor Agonists and Antagonists. Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. Thirteenth Edition. 2017. Page – 152, 153.
2. Victoria Panarese; Majid Moshirfar. Pilocarpine. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. StatPearls [Internet]. December 2021. [Accessed on 23rd June 2022]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556128/
3. Pan, Yun. Pilocarpine on the Clinical Research in Treating Glaucoma. International Conference on Global Economy, Commerce and Service Science. 2014. [Accessed on 23rd June 2022]. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/10984.pdf
4. Laboratoire Chauvin. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2019] [Accessed on 23rd June 2022]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1375.pdf
5. Martindale Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in April 2016] [Accessed on 23rd June 2022]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3398.pdf
6. iNova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Ltd. Minims Pilocarpine (Pilocarpine Nitrate Eye Drops). [Revised in April 2015] [Accessed on 23rd June 2022]. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/CMI/m/MinimspilocarpineNitrate.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Ophthalmoscopy