Medications · FAQ
What side effects can pilocarpine cause?
Short answer
Sweating is a common side effect of pilocarpine. Other possible effects include nausea, diarrhea, flushing, chills, more frequent urination, dizziness, and vision changes. Tell your physician about bothersome symptoms. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, fainting, chest pain, or signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as throat swelling.
Sweating is a common side effect of pilocarpine. Other possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, flushing, chills, frequent urination, headache, and dizziness. Pilocarpine affects several parts of the body, not just the glands that make saliva.
Some people may have blurred vision or trouble seeing in low light. Avoid driving at night or doing risky tasks if your vision is affected. Do not drive when you feel dizzy. Tell your physician about new vision symptoms, especially if they persist or interfere with daily activities.
Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat with symptoms. Call 911 for severe symptoms or signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as throat swelling or difficulty breathing. Sudden eye pain or sudden vision loss also needs urgent care.
For milder but bothersome effects, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not change the dose yourself. A physician licensed in your state can review whether your treatment plan needs to change.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.