Pilocarpine Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2024.

Applies to pilocarpine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, pilocarpine ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pilocarpine ophthalmic:

More common side effects

• increased sweating
• muscle tremors
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• trouble breathing
• watering of mouth

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• eye irritation or pain
• watering of the eyes

Incidence not known

• chest tightness
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• redness of the skin
• seeing flashes or sparks of light
• seeing floating spots before the eyes, or a veil or curtain appearing across part of vision
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• trouble breathing

Other side effects

Some side effects of pilocarpine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• decrease in night vision
• headache

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pilocarpine ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic gel, ophthalmic insert, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were accommodative change, blurred vision, eye irritation, visual impairment, and eye pain.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Accommodative change, blurred vision, eye irritation, visual impairment, eye pain
• Frequency not reported: Ciliary spasm, itching, smarting/burning, sensitization of the lids and conjunctival vascular congestion, transient myopia, lens changes with chronic use, decrease in visual acuity in poor illumination, increased pupillary block, vitreous hemorrhaging, retinal detachment^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Changes in blood pressure, cardiac rhythm^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Sweating, increased salivation, lacrimation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, browache
• Frequency not reported: Tremor^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Bronchial spasm, pulmonary edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea^[Ref]

Further information

Pilocarpine ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer