A naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the _Pilocarpus_ plants, pilocarpine is a muscarinic acetylcholine agonist.[A262016, A262036] Pilocarpine is associated with parasympathomimetic effects by selectively working on muscarinic receptors.[A262036] Pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth and various ophthalmic conditions, including elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma. The usage of glaucoma by pilocarpine dates back to 1875.[A262041]
Pilocarpine oral tablets are indicated for the treatment of dry mouth caused by Sjogren's Syndrome or radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck.[L48566] Pilocarpine ophthalmic formulations are used to treat presbyopia in adults,[L48556, L48631] reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, manage acute angle-closure glaucoma, prevent postoperative elevated IOP associated with laser surgery, and induce miosis.[L48561]
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
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