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Pilocarpine

Prescription
Cholinergic (Miotic)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Directly stimulates muscarinic receptors in the iris sphincter and ciliary body, causing pupillary constriction (miosis) and facilitating aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork, reducing intraocular pressure.

At a glance

Class
Cholinergic (Miotic)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; discard 28 days after opening

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for glaucoma management and KCS (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) via oral paras
Dose
—
Route
Ophthalmic, PO
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

Primary open-angle glaucoma is uncommon in cats
Dose
—
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q8–12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; discard 28 days after opening

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Intraocular pressure measurementPupillary responseSystemic cholinergic signs

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Atropine Ophthalmic
moderate
Direct pharmacological antagonism: atropine (muscarinic antagonist) blocks pilocarpine (muscarinic agonist). Each negates the other's effect.
Management: Do not use concurrently in same eye. Allow atropine to wear off (7-14 days dogs) before switching to pilocarpine.

Brands

Other markets

Isopto Carpine
Pilopine

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine is a cholinergic (miotic) used in pets. Directly stimulates muscarinic receptors in the iris sphincter and ciliary body, causing pupillary constriction (miosis) and facilitating aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork, reducing intraocular pressure.
›What is Pilocarpine used for in pets?
Pilocarpine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for glaucoma management and KCS (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) via oral paras; Primary open-angle glaucoma is uncommon in cats.
›What is the Pilocarpine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Pilocarpine is typically dosed as follows — Used for glaucoma management and KCS (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) via oral paras: undefined undefined Ophthalmic/PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Pilocarpine dose for cats?
For cats, Pilocarpine is typically dosed as follows — Primary open-angle glaucoma is uncommon in cats: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Pilocarpine need a prescription?
Yes. Pilocarpine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →