Pilocarpine cholinergic action

The first generation of cholinomimetics, such as arecoline, bethanecol and pilocarpine, were not designed for the treatment of AD and the results of the early clinical trials were consistently disappointing. In addition to their poor bioavailability and short duration of action, any therapeutic benefits were limited by their cholinergic side effects. The second generation of muscarinic... 

Q3 Outline the pharmacological properties of the cholinergic agent pilocarpine and its action on sweat glands in the skin. 

An alkaloid of natural plant origin, pilocarpine is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist with a dominant action at both peripheral and central muscarinic sites. The cholinomimetic action of pilocarpine on smooth muscle muscarinic receptors generally results in contraction.The response of intraocular smooth muscle to pilocarpine is pupillary constriction, spasm of accommodation, and reduction of lOP. 

For the treatment of glaucoma there are substances available with different modes of action. Two short-acting cholinergics which are used are pilocarpine, which is a first-hand remedy, and physostigmine. 

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