Tag: Cholinergic agonist

Pilocarpine has been used in ophthalmology for over a century and is the archetypal direct-acting parasympathomimetic agent. A definitive answer to the question, "Do pilocarpine eye drops dilate or constrict?", is that they cause **constriction** of the pupil, a process known as miosis.

On October 15, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tyrvaya (varenicline solution) nasal spray, marking the first nasal spray treatment for dry eye disease. So, is Tyrvaya nasal spray FDA approved? Yes, and it offers a novel approach for patients who find using eye drops challenging.

Pilocarpine, a cholinergic agonist, acts as a parasympathomimetic agent by mimicking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This broad-spectrum drug is well-known for its ability to stimulate exocrine glands, increasing the secretion of saliva and sweat, and for its miotic effect in the eye. Historically derived from the *Pilocarpus* plant, it has been used for over a century for various conditions.

While confusion over the terminology is common, it is a fact that pilocarpine is a miotic, not mitotic. This medication's effect is to cause miosis, or pupil constriction, a key action in its use for conditions like glaucoma.

Over 100 million dilated eye exams occur annually in the U.S., often causing prolonged blurred vision and light sensitivity [1.6.5]. This raises a critical question for patient comfort: **Can pilocarpine reverse tropicamide**, a common dilating agent, and is it the best option?

Bethanechol is a medication indicated for treating urinary retention, a condition that can occur post-surgery or postpartum [1.3.1]. The key question for many patients is, **should you take Bethanechol on an empty stomach?** The answer is a definitive yes to minimize specific side effects [1.2.1].

In one study, intracameral carbachol reduced the incidence of early postoperative intraocular pressure elevation from 33% in a control group to just 4% [1.2.1]. This highlights a key question for surgical patients: **what does carbachol do to the eyes?**

Used for over 100 years in the treatment of glaucoma, pilocarpine is a well-established medication in ophthalmology [1.2.4]. The central question for many is: **Does pilocarpine constrict or dilate pupils?** This article explores the definitive miotic (pupil-constricting) effects of this drug.

Pilocarpine has been used as a glaucoma treatment for over a century, making it one of the oldest therapies for lowering eye pressure. The simple answer to the question, "What is the generic for pilocarpine eye drops?" is pilocarpine itself. While the active ingredient remains the same, several brand-name formulations exist for different eye conditions, including glaucoma and presbyopia.

In clinical trials, sweating occurs in up to 68% of patients taking a 10 mg dose of oral pilocarpine, making it one of the most common adverse effects [1.4.3]. Answering 'Which of these is a likely side effect of pilocarpine?' requires understanding its mechanism of action.