Pilocarpine is an alkaloid of pilocarpus (jaborandi) and is used mostly as the hydrochloride.

It has no local action on the skin or mucous membranes, but is readily absorbed from the latter.

It stimulates the secretory glands, especially the salivary, sudoriparous, pancreatic and lachrymal. It increases peristalsis, contracts the pupils, and depresses the heart. It causes death by depression of the respiratory center.

It is excreted mostly in the sweat, a little in the urine.