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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

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

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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; discard 28 days after opening

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Intraocular pressure measurementPupillary responseSystemic cholinergic signs

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database