Oral pilocarpine may be treatment option for severe dry eye

[quattroboy]

Anyone used or heard of using pilocarpine to treat dry eye?

Some of the side effects sounds "interesting"!

I think it's mainly used for Sjögren's syndrom, but these studies are interesting:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26065354

https://www.healio.com/ophthalmology...severe-dry-eye

[Hokucat]

Yes, I periodically use a similar drug, Evoxac (generic name Cevimeline), which is used off-label to give eyes moisture. I especially find it helpful when I am going to use my eyes a lot or going outside, like driving, going to an all day sporting event, the theme park, or to the movie theater. My rheumatologist told me Evoxac works better than pilocarpine for most people for eyes, but I have read pilocarpine helps some members in this forum. For some neither drug helps the eyes, you just have to try it and see. Usually a rheumatologist or GP prescribes it.

Both these drugs are mainly used to stimulate saliva for Sjogren’s patients and others experiencing dry mouth. So if one does not have dry mouth, one can experience an excessive saliva response, and perspiration is also an unwanted side affect. Some people don’t like using these drugs because of this. I have slight dry mouth, so it’s ok for me. And am able to manage the perspiration by usually wearing a breathable cotton shirt and a light jacket or sweater I can take off if needed.

I often don’t even notice these other side effects anymore...taking it with enough food and water also seems to minimize the negative impact, and I think over time I found my body had adjusted to it. In the beginning, my heart rate was noticeably elevated a few hours after I took it (another side effect), but now it’s only slightly elevated. Still, I try to limit taking any medications, because of all the known and potential unknown side effects down the road.

[quattroboy]

Thanks, Hokucat I'll speak to my consultant next week and see if he feels it's worth investigating.