Muscarine and Pilocarpine – howMed

Quaternary amine (Amanita muscaria)

Poorly soluble, less complete absorption from the GIT

Very toxic & can even enter the brain

Treatment of overdosage: Atropine, 1-2 mg parenterally

Pilocarpine

Tertiary amine (plant source; Pilocarpus jaborandi leaves)

Has muscarinic actions

Therapeutic uses:
  • Glaucoma
  • To reduce the effect of mydriatics
  • To break adhesions
  • Sjogren’s syndrome (Cevimeline)

Not used for systemic diseases because increased tracheo-bronchial secretions lead to pulmonary edema. It is highly lipid soluble usually given topically.

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Parasympathomimetic Drugs

Acetylcholine

Carbachol

Methacholine

Bethanechol

Nicotine and Lobeline

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