Pilocarpine

Pilocarpine is a medication used to stimulate the production of saliva and tears. It is a cholinergic agent, which means it works by binding to cholinergic receptors in the body, specifically muscarinic receptors, to produce its effects.
Pilocarpine is typically prescribed for the treatment of dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which can be caused by certain medical conditions or as a side effect of radiation therapy. By increasing the production of saliva and tears, pilocarpine can help alleviate discomfort associated with dryness and improve the ability to speak, swallow, and wear contact lenses.
The medication is available in various forms, such as oral tablets, ophthalmic eye drops, and ophthalmic ointments. The choice of the form depends on the specific condition being treated. For example, oral pilocarpine is commonly used for treating dry mouth, while ophthalmic pilocarpine is used for treating dry eyes.
It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions carefully. The effects of pilocarpine can be rapid, and adjustments to the dosage may be needed to achieve the desired balance between treating the symptoms of dryness and preventing overstimulation of the sweat glands, which can lead to sweating.