Pilocarpine

• (3S, 4R)- 3-ethyl- 4-( (1- methylimidazol -5-yl ) methyl) -4,5- dihydrofuran -2 (3H )-one
• (3S, 4R )-3 -ethyl-4 ,5-dihydro -4-( (1- methylimidazol -5-yl ) methyl) furan-2 (3H )-one

• 92-13-7 ( pilocarpine )
• 54-71-7 ( pilocarpine · hydrochloride)

• N07AX01
• S01EB01

Oily liquid crystals or the

Parasympathomimetic

• 34 ° C.
• 193-205 ° C ( as hydrochloride)
• 174 ° C (as nitrate)

260 ° C (600 Pa)

6.78

Soluble in water, ethanol and chloroform

Risk

402 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Pilocarpine is a drug from the group of direct parasympathomimetic and is used as a miotic (pupil constricting agent) in ophthalmology. It is an alkaloid, which of course in Jaborandiblättern ( Rutakraut, Pilocarpus sp.) Occurs.

Effects

Pilocarpine increases the secretion of exocrine glands (sweat, saliva, tears, gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal glands ) and mucus production by goblet cells in the airways. It also increases the tone of smooth muscles and Pupillenverengers ( sphincter pupillae ).

Use

Pilocarpine is used primarily in ophthalmology with an increase in intraocular pressure ( "Green Star" ). It acts on the one hand directly on the sphincter pupillae arousing and thus triggers a reduction ( miosis ) from the pupil. On the other hand, the outflow of aqueous humor is facilitated by expansion of the outflow pathways, whereby the intraocular pressure is lowered. Pilocarpine is here applied directly on the eye, reducing its effect on the latter remains localized.

Another field of application is radiation-induced dry mouth ( xerostomia). Here, a gel with 0.1% Pilocarpine used.

Pilocarpine oil kills pubic lice by blocking their breathing. It is therefore used in infestation of the eyelashes palpebrarum with Phthiriasis.

Furthermore, the pilocarpine iontophoresis sweat test is used for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Detection reaction

Pilocarpine or pilocarpine salts can be detected qualitatively by the Helch reaction.