What type of drug is Pilocarpine classified as?

Pilocarpine is classified as a cholinergic agonist, which means it stimulates the cholinergic receptors in the body. Specifically, it acts primarily on muscarinic receptors in the eye, leading to increased outflow of aqueous humor and decreased intraocular pressure. This mechanism is particularly helpful in the treatment of glaucoma, as it facilitates the drainage of fluid from the eye.

By binding to and activating these muscarinic receptors, pilocarpine induces miosis (constriction of the pupil) and can also aid in improving the accommodation of the eye. As a result, it plays an important role in managing conditions characterized by elevated intraocular pressure. This classification as a cholinergic agonist highlights its action on the parasympathetic nervous system, which contrasts with other classes of drugs like beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that have different mechanisms of action and therapeutic indications in ocular pharmacology.