Miotic (eye pressure-lowering agent)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Pilocarpine is a medicine that works by making the pupil of your eye smaller and helping fluid drain out of your eye, which lowers the pressure inside your eye.
Activates muscarinic cholinergic receptors on the ciliary muscle and iris sphincter, causing pupillary constriction (miosis) and increased aqueous humour outflow, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. Also stimulates muscarinic receptors on salivary glands to increase saliva production in xerostomia.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For eye drops: Put 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye 2 to 4 times a day, or as your doctor directs. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and drop the medicine inside. Close your eye gently and press the corner near your nose for 1-2 minutes to keep the medicine in your eye. For pilocarpine tablets (used for dry mouth): Take 5mg three times a day, usually with meals.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not double the drops to make up for the missed dose.
Always buy Pilocarpine Eye Drops from a registered pharmacy — eye medicines from roadside sellers may be contaminated or expired, which can damage your eyes. Your vision may be blurry after using the drops, so avoid driving or riding okada at night until you know how it affects you. Do not share your eye drops with anyone else as this can spread eye infections.
If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between different drops. Beta-blocker medicines (like timolol eye drops, often used together for glaucoma) can increase the effect of pilocarpine. Atropine-containing medicines will work against pilocarpine and cancel out its effect.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Pilocarpine with your other drugs?
Pilocarpine should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if your doctor says the benefit is greater than the risk — always consult your doctor first.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat — this is important in Nigerian weather. Do not freeze the eye drops. Once opened, most eye drop bottles should be used within 28 days and then thrown away. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Pilocarpine?
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