Pilocarpine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
208.26
Molecular Formula
C11H16N2O2
IUPAC Name
(3S,4R)-3-ethyl-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Pilocarpus jaborandi, P. microphyllus
Active Constituents
Pilocarpine
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Direct-acting cholinergic agonist; specifically stimulates muscarinic receptors (M3).
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Good topical/oral absorption.
D: Localized in eye or systemic if oral.
M: Plasma esterases and hepatic.
E: Renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Causes miosis, contraction of ciliary muscle, and intensely stimulates sweating/salivation.
Synthesis Pathway
Derived from histidine.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Sweating, salivation, brow ache (topical), bradycardia.
Contraindications
Narrow-angle glaucoma (paradoxical block), acute iritis.
Drug Interactions
Anticholinergics (antagonism).
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Ophthalmic drops, Tablets
Official Compendia
IP, BP, USP