What is the primary therapeutic use of Pilocarpine?

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Pilocarpine is primarily used to reduce intraocular pressure, making it an important medication in the management of conditions like glaucoma. As a cholinergic agent, Pilocarpine stimulates the muscarinic receptors in the eye, leading to contraction of the ciliary muscle and the opening of the trabecular meshwork. This action facilitates the outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber, consequently lowering intraocular pressure.

When delving into its mechanism, it's essential to note that the reduction of intraocular pressure is crucial for preventing damage to the optic nerve and preserving vision in patients with glaucoma. Therefore, Pilocarpine’s role in this context is significant and is a well-established therapeutic use.

In contrast, other listed options involve effects that are not related to Pilocarpine’s mechanism of action. For instance, increasing pupil size and inducing mydriasis are associated with mydriatic agents, while decreasing inflammation is commonly managed through anti-inflammatory medications. These distinctions clarify why Pilocarpine’s primary therapeutic application centers around its ability to effectively lower intraocular pressure.

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