Pilocarpine (2 brand names, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: INSERT, EXTENDED RELEASE.
Routes of administration: OPHTHALMIC.
Brand Names
- OCUSERT PILO-20
- OCUSERT PILO-40
Indications and Usage
VUITY ® is indicated for the treatment of presbyopia in adults.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage of VUITY is one drop in each eye once daily. A second dose (one additional drop in each eye) may be administered 3-6 hours after the first dose. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
Contraindications
VUITY is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of the excipients.
Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4 )]
Mechanism of Action
Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a cholinergic muscarinic agonist which activates muscarinic receptors located at smooth muscles such as the iris sphincter muscle and ciliary muscle. VUITY contracts the iris sphincter muscle, constricting the pupil to improve near and intermediate visual acuity while maintaining some pupillary response to light. VUITY also contracts the ciliary muscle and may shift the eye to a more myopic state.
Overdosage
Systemic toxicity following topical ocular administration of pilocarpine is rare, but occasionally patients who are sensitive may develop sweating and gastrointestinal overactivity. Accidental ingestion can produce sweating, salivation, nausea, tremors and slowing of the pulse and a decrease in blood pressure. In moderate overdosage, spontaneous recovery is to be expected and is aided by intravenous fluids to compensate for dehydration. For patients demonstrating severe poisoning, atropine, the pharmacologic antagonist to pilocarpine, should be used.