Drugplain

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution · SOLUTION/ DROPS · Somerset Therapeutics, LLC

5 Recalls on RecordCurrently in Shortage
Plain English

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is a solution/ drops containing pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution at 10 mg/mL, taken ophthalmic. Manufactured by Somerset Therapeutics, LLC.

Key Facts

Brand Name
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride
Generic Name
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution
NDC Code (Product)
70069-181
Manufacturer
Somerset Therapeutics, LLC
Strength
10 mg/mL
Dosage Form
SOLUTION/ DROPS
Route
OPHTHALMIC
Marketing Status
Application #
ANDA210384
Marketing Start
11/25/2019

Recall History

5 Recalls on Record
Class III03/22/2017

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications.

TerminatedVoluntary: Firm initiated
Class II04/26/2023

Akorn, Inc.

CGMP Deviations: Firm went out of business and could no longer continue stability studies.

OngoingVoluntary: Firm initiated
Class II04/26/2023

Akorn, Inc.

CGMP Deviations: Firm went out of business and could no longer continue stability studies.

OngoingVoluntary: Firm initiated
Class II04/26/2023

Akorn, Inc.

CGMP Deviations: Firm went out of business and could no longer continue stability studies.

OngoingVoluntary: Firm initiated
Class III03/22/2017

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications.

TerminatedVoluntary: Firm initiated

Side Effects Reported to FDA

FDA FAERS database · These are reported events, not confirmed side effects

drug ineffective124 reports
fatigue90 reports
pain90 reports
headache86 reports
eye pain85 reports
dyspnoea82 reports
diarrhoea71 reports
dizziness71 reports
nausea68 reports
fall67 reports

Full Prescribing Information

Source: FDA Drug Label (SPL)For healthcare professionals

Indications & Usage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets, USP are indicated for 1) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck; and 2) the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Regardless of the indication, the starting dose in patients with moderate hepatic impairment should be 5 mg twice daily, followed by adjustment based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Patients with mild hepatic insufficiency do not require dosage reductions. The use of pilocarpine in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency is not recommended. If needed, refer to the Hepatic Insufficiency subsection of the Precautions section of this label for definitions of mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment. Head & Neck Cancer Patients: The recommended initial dose of pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets is 5 mg taken three times a day. Dosage should be titrated according to therapeutic response and tolerability. The usual dosage range is 15-30 mg per day. (Not to exceed 10 mg per dose.) Although early improvement may be realized, at least 12 weeks of uninterrupted therapy with pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets may be necessary to assess whether a beneficial response will be achieved. The incidence of the most common adverse events increases with dose. The lowest dose that is tolerated and effective should be used for maintenance. Sjogren's Syndrome Pat

Warnings

WARNINGS: Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with significant cardiovascular disease may be unable to compensate for transient changes in hemodynamics or rhythm induced by pilocarpine. Pulmonary edema has been reported as a complication of pilocarpine toxicity from high ocular doses given for acute angle-closure glaucoma. Pilocarpine should be administered with caution in and under close medical supervision of patients with significant cardiovascular disease. Ocular: Ocular formulations of pilocarpine have been reported to cause visual blurring which may result in decreased visual acuity, especially at night and in patients with central lens changes, and to cause impairment of depth perception. Caution should be advised while driving at night or performing hazardous activities in reduced lighting. Pulmonary Disease: Pilocarpine has been reported to increase airway resistance, bronchial smooth muscle tone, and bronchial secretions. Pilocarpine hydrochloride should be administered with caution to and under close medical supervision in patients with controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring pharmacotherapy.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled asthma, known hypersensitivity to pilocarpine, and when miosis is undesirable, e.g., in acute iritis and in narrow-angle (angle closure) glaucoma.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions: Pilocarpine should be administered with caution to patients taking beta adrenergic antagonists because of the possibility of conduction disturbances. Drugs with parasympathomimetic effects administered concurrently with pilocarpine would be expected to result in additive pharmacologic effects. Pilocarpine might antagonize the anticholinergic effects of drugs used concomitantly. These effects should be considered when anticholinergic properties may be contributing to the therapeutic effect of concomitant medication (e.g., atropine, inhaled ipratropium). While no formal drug interaction studies have been performed, the following concomitant drugs were used in at least 10% of patients in either or both Sjogren's efficacy studies: acetylsalicylic acid, artificial tears, calcium, conjugated estrogens, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, ibuprofen, levothyroxine sodium, medroxyprogesterone acetate, methotrexate, multivitamins, naproxen, omeprazole, paracetamol, and prednisone.

Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Head & Neck Cancer Patients: In controlled studies, 217 patients received pilocarpine, of whom 68% were men and 32% were women. Race distribution was 91% Caucasian, 8% Black, and 1% of other origin. Mean age was approximately 58 years. The majority of patients were between 50 and 64 years (51%), 33% were 65 years and older and 16% were younger than 50 years of age. The most frequent adverse experiences associated with pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets were a consequence of the expected pharmacologic effects of pilocarpine. Adverse Event Pilocarpine HCl Placebo 10 mg t.i.d. (30 mg/day) 5 mg t.i.d. (15 mg/day) (t.i.d.) n=121 n=141 n=152 Sweating 68% 29% 9% Nausea 15 6 4 Rhinitis 14 5 7 Diarrhea 7 4 5 Chills 15 3 <1 Flushing 13 8 3 Urinary Frequency 12 9 7 Dizziness 12 5 4 Asthenia 12 6 3 In addition, the following adverse events (≥3% incidence) were reported at dosages of 15-30 mg/day in the controlled clinical trials: Adverse Event Pilocarpine HCl Placebo 5-10 mg t.i.d. (15-30 mg/day) (t.i.d.) n=212 n=152 Headache 11% 8% Dyspepsia 7 5 Lacrimation 6 8 Edema 5 4 Abdominal Pain 4 4 Amblyopia 4 2 Vomiting 4 1 Pharyngitis 3 8 Hypertension 3 1 The following events were

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride used for?

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride contains Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution. It is a solution/ drops taken ophthalmic. Consult your doctor for specific uses.

Is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride a controlled substance?

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA.

What is the generic name for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride?

The generic name for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution. There are no other listed brand versions of Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution.

What is the NDC code for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL?

The NDC (National Drug Code) for Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL is 70069-181, listed by Somerset Therapeutics, LLC.

Product NDC

70069-181

Package NDC

70069-181-01

Not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any medication decisions.

Data from openFDA · Public domain (CC0 1.0)