PILOCARPIN Meaning and
Definition
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Pilocarpin is a noun that refers to a natural alkaloid compound derived from the leaves of the tropical shrub Pilocarpus jaborandi. It is also synthetically produced for medical use.
The compound pilocarpin has been primarily used for its potent medicinal properties, particularly as a cholinergic drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. It serves as a direct-acting cholinergic agonist that activates muscarinic receptors, primarily in the sweat glands, salivary glands, and smooth muscles.
When administered, pilocarpin induces a range of physiological responses in the body. For instance, it stimulates the secretion of saliva in the mouth, making it a useful treatment for conditions characterized by dry mouth or xerostomia. Additionally, it enhances systemic sweating, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing decreased sweat production due to certain medical conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome.
Another notable application of pilocarpin is its potential in ophthalmology. When used topically as eye drops, pilocarpin can constrict the pupil and facilitate drainage of aqueous humor, which may help lower intraocular pressure. It is often prescribed to patients with glaucoma to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of vision loss.
However, it is crucial to exercise caution when administering pilocarpin due to potential side effects such as increased sweating, low blood pressure, bradycardia, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Furthermore, certain individuals may be more sensitive to the compound, necessitating careful monitoring and dosage adjustment.
Common Misspellings for PILOCARPIN
- oilocarpin
- lilocarpin
- 0ilocarpin
- pulocarpin
- pjlocarpin
- pklocarpin
- polocarpin
- p9locarpin
- p8locarpin
- pikocarpin
- pipocarpin
- pioocarpin
- pilicarpin
- pilkcarpin
- pillcarpin
- pilpcarpin
- pil0carpin
- pil9carpin
- piloxarpin
- pilovarpin
Etymology of PILOCARPIN
The term "pilocarpin" is derived from two components: "pilo-" and "-carpin".
The first part, "pilo-", originates from the Greek word "pilos", which means "cap" or "felt hat". It likely refers to the appearance of the fruiting body of the South American shrub Pilocarpus, from which pilocarpin is obtained.
The second component, "-carpin", is derived from the word "carpus", which means "fruit" in Greek. Thus, "pilocarpin" can be seen as referring to the fruit or fruiting body of the Pilocarpus plant.
Overall, the etymology of "pilocarpin" suggests a pharmaceutical substance linked to the fruit-like appearance of the Pilocarpus plant.
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