Pilocarpine concentrations for eye drops include which of the following?

• A. 1%, 2%, and 4%
• B. 0.5%, 1%, and 3%
• C. 2%, 4%, and 6%
• D. 1%, 2%, and 4%

Answer: (D)

Pilocarpine eye drops are commonly stocked in a few standard strengths to achieve different levels of pupil constriction and ciliary muscle stimulation. The standard options are one percent, two percent, and four percent. One and two percent provide milder miosis suitable for chronic management of open-angle glaucoma, while four percent delivers a stronger miotic effect useful in situations like acute angle-closure where a rapid and more pronounced narrowing of the angle helps improve drainage. Other strengths such as a half percent, three percent, or six percent are not part of the typical, widely used set. Therefore, the combination of one, two, and four percent covers the usual therapeutic needs.