howMed Know Yourself
Muscarine
Quaternary amine (Amanita muscaria)
Poorly soluble, less complete absorption from the GIT
Very toxic & can even enter the brain
Treatment of overdosage: Atropine, 1-2 mg parenterally
Pilocarpine
Tertiary amine (plant source; Pilocarpus jaborandi leaves)
Has muscarinic actions
Therapeutic uses:
- Glaucoma
- To reduce the effect of mydriatics
- To break adhesions
- Sjogren’s syndrome (Cevimeline)
Not used for systemic diseases because increased tracheo-bronchial secretions lead to pulmonary edema. It is highly lipid soluble usually given topically.
