Pilocarpine Hydrchloride
Generic Name: pilocarpine hydrchloride
Brand Names:
Pilocarpine Hydrchloride
DESCRIPTION: 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, with a chemical name of (3 S-cis )-2 (3 H )- Furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1 H -imidazol-5-yl) methyl] monohydrochloride, has a molecular weight of 244.72.
Overview
DESCRIPTION: 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, with a chemical name of (3 S-cis )-2 (3 H )- Furanone, 3-ethyldihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1 H -imidazol-5-yl) methyl] monohydrochloride, has a molecular weight of 244.72.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for 1) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck; and 2) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Regardless of the indication, the starting dose in patients with moderate hepatic impairment should be 5 mg twice daily, followed by adjustment based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Patients with mild hepatic insufficiency do not require dosage reductions. The use of pilocarpine in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency is not recommended. If needed, refer to the Hepatic Insufficiency subsection of the Precautions section of this label for definitions of mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment. Head and Neck Cancer Patients: The recommended initial dose of pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets is 5 mg taken three times a day. Dosage should be titrated according to therapeutic response and tolerance.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Head and Neck Cancer Patients: In controlled studies, 217 patients received pilocarpine, of whom 68% were men and 32% were women. Race distribution was 91% Caucasian, 8% Black, and 1% of other origin. Mean age was approximately 58 years. The majority of patients were between 50 and 64 years (51%), 33% were 65 years and older and 16% were younger than 50 years of age. The most frequent adverse experiences associated with pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets were a consequence of the expected pharmacologic effects of pilocarpine. Adverse Event 10 mg t.i.d. 5 mg t.i.d.
Interactions
Drug Interactions: Pilocarpine should be administered with caution to patients taking beta-adrenergic antagonists because of the possibility of conduction disturbances. Drugs with parasympathomimetic effects administered concurrently with pilocarpine would be expected to result in additive pharmacologic effects. Pilocarpine might antagonize the anticholinergic effects of drugs used concomitantly. These effects should be considered when anticholinergic properties may be contributing to the therapeutic effect of concomitant medication (e.g., atropine, inhaled ipratropium).
Warnings
WARNINGS: Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with significant cardiovascular disease may be unable to compensate for transient changes in hemodynamics or rhythm induced by pilocarpine. Pulmonary edema has been reported as a complication of pilocarpine toxicity from high ocular doses given for acute angle-closure glaucoma. Pilocarpine should be administered with caution in and under close medical supervision of patients with significant cardiovascular disease. Ocular: Ocular formulations of pilocarpine have been reported to cause visual blurring which may result in decreased visual acuity, especially at night and in patients with central lens changes, and to cause impairment of depth perception. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled asthma, known hypersensitivity to pilocarpine, and when miosis is undesirable, e.g., in acute iritis and in narrow-angle (angle closure) glaucoma.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects Pregnancy Category C: Pilocarpine was associated with a reduction in the mean fetal body weight and an increase in the incidence of skeletal variations when given to pregnant rats at a dosage of 90 mg/kg/day (approximately 26 times the maximum recommended dose for a 50 kg human when compared on the basis of body surface area (mg/m 2 ) estimates). These effects may have been secondary to maternal toxicity.
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets 5 mg are supplied as white, round, film coated tablets, debossed with "P" over "1R0" on one side and other side is plain. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 100 (NDC 63629-8439) Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in tight, light-resistant containers as defined in the USP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pilocarpine Hydrchloride used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for 1) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck; and 2) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome.
What are the side effects of Pilocarpine Hydrchloride?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Head and Neck Cancer Patients: In controlled studies, 217 patients received pilocarpine, of whom 68% were men and 32% were women. Race distribution was 91% Caucasian, 8% Black, and 1% of other origin. Mean age was approximately 58 years. The majority of patients were between 50 and 64 years (51%), 33% were 65 years and older and 16% were younger than 50 years of age. The most frequent adverse experiences associated with pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets were a consequence of the expected pharmacologic effects of pilocarpine. Adverse Event 10 mg t.i.d. 5 mg t.i.d.
Can I take Pilocarpine Hydrchloride during pregnancy?▼
Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects Pregnancy Category C: Pilocarpine was associated with a reduction in the mean fetal body weight and an increase in the incidence of skeletal variations when given to pregnant rats at a dosage of 90 mg/kg/day (approximately 26 times the maximum recommended dose for a 50 kg human when compared on the basis of body surface area (mg/m 2 ) estimates). These effects may have been secondary to maternal toxicity.
What are the important warnings for Pilocarpine Hydrchloride?▼
WARNINGS: Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with significant cardiovascular disease may be unable to compensate for transient changes in hemodynamics or rhythm induced by pilocarpine. Pulmonary edema has been reported as a complication of pilocarpine toxicity from high ocular doses given for acute angle-closure glaucoma. Pilocarpine should be administered with caution in and under close medical supervision of patients with significant cardiovascular disease. Ocular: Ocular formulations of pilocarpine have been reported to cause visual blurring which may result in decreased visual acuity, especially at night and in patients with central lens changes, and to cause impairment of depth perception. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled asthma, known hypersensitivity to pilocarpine, and when miosis is undesirable, e.g., in acute iritis and in narrow-angle (angle closure) glaucoma.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.