Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution for PBC

Overview
Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (pilocarpine ophthalmic) is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is sometimes prescribed off-label to help relieve dry eyes and dry mouth related to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Studies show between 47 percent and 73 percent of people with PBC experience symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. These symptoms are often caused by Sjӧgren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition commonly diagnosed in people with PBC.

Pilocarpine ophthalmic is a member of a class of drugs called muscarinic cholinergic agonists, which are believed to work by increasing smooth muscle tone. This drug is also known as a miotic, which means it causes miosis (constriction) of pupils by prompting certain eye muscles to contract. This action helps balance fluid and reduce pressure in the eye.

How do I take it?
Pilocarpine ophthalmic comes in solutions of varying strengths that are instilled in the eyes. The eye drops are put in one to four times a day, depending on the condition being treated. Pilocarpine eye drops must be used exactly as your doctor directs.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for pilocarpine ophthalmic lists common side effects including headache or pain around the eyebrows, changes in normal vision, eye irritation or pain, and blurry or impaired vision.

Rarely, pilocarpine ophthalmic can cause systemic toxicity, resulting in sweating and gastrointestinal problems. Overusing the eye drops can also lead to salivation, tremors, slowed pulse, and decreased blood pressure.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Pilocarpine Ophthalmic — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682874.html

How Do Ophthalmic Direct-Acting Miotics Work? — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/how_do_ophthalmic_direct...