Pilocarpine 1%
Generic Name
Pilocarpine
Indications/Uses
Pilocarpine 1% is a miotic agent in veterinary medication indicated for the treatment of primary glaucoma in dogs. The medication is also found effective in the management of intraocular pressure related complications in animals. The drug has shown proven results in the clinical tests conducted in labs. The active ingredient present in the medication is pilocarpine, which is a cholinergic alkaloid that helps in decreasing the pressure mounting inside the eye ball. The drug can be obtained only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian, and is available as suspension eye drops.
Precautions
The medication is not recommended in treating secondary glaucoma in dogs. Pilocarpine is for topical use only and should not be given orally. Before applying eye drops make sure that hands are washed thoroughly. Use the eye dropper with caution; the dropper tip should not come in contact with eyes or surface of the skin to avoid contaminating the medicine. Animals might develop initial irritation when the medication is administered; though, in very rare instances only can these turn severe.
Side Effects
Pilocarpine when initially administered can develop local irritation in certain animals. Excess sweating and increased salivation might also be experienced in certain dogs, which is a reaction to the medication. There have been reported instances of vomiting and diarrhea or loose bowels as well.
Dosage Information
Though the medicine is not approved for treatment in animals, pilocarpine is a widely prescribed drug by veterinarians for use in dogs. The suggested dosage of medication would be one drop of pilocarpine 1% eye drops in the infected eye/s, thrice a day.
Brand Names
Pilostat (Bausch and Lomb), Isopto-Carpine (Alcon)