Pilocarpine Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Skip to main content
Print
Save

# Pilocarpine

Generic name: pilocarpine (oral) [ PYE-loe-KAR-peen ]
Brand name: Salagen
Dosage form: oral tablet (5 mg; 7.5 mg)
Drug class: Cholinergic agonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 6, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is pilocarpine?

Pilocarpine affects the nervous system and increases saliva secretion in the mouth.

Pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth caused by Sjogren's syndrome, or by radiation to treat head and neck cancer.

Pilocarpine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

You should not use pilocarpine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or asthma that is untreated or uncontrolled.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use pilocarpine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- untreated or uncontrolled asthma; or

- narrow-angle glaucoma.

To make sure pilocarpine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

- asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

- glaucoma or vision problems;

- liver disease;

- kidney disease;

- heart disease;

- gallbladder problems;

- mental illness;

- if you take heart or blood pressure medicine; or

- if you use a bronchodilator to treat a breathing disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pilocarpine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using pilocarpine.

It is not known whether pilocarpine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

## Related/similar drugs

glycerin topical, Salagen, Biotene Mouthwash, amifostine, Biotene Oral Balance, XyliMelts

## How should I take pilocarpine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take pilocarpine with or without food.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking pilocarpine. This medicine can cause increased sweating and you may get dehydrated easily.

Use pilocarpine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of pilocarpine can be fatal at very high doses.

## What should I avoid while taking pilocarpine?

pilocarpine may cause blurred vision, especially at night or in low light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Pilocarpine can increase sweating and you may be more prone to dehydration.

## Pilocarpine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pilocarpine may cause serious side effects. Stop using pilocarpine and call your doctor at once if you have:

- shortness of breath;

- fast or slow heart rate;

- severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;

- confusion, tremors; or

- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects of pilocarpine may include:

- increased sweating, urinating more than usual;

- chills, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

- headache, dizziness, weakness;

- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

- blurred vision, watery eyes; or

- runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pilocarpine side effects (more detail)

## Pilocarpine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Xerostomia:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 15 to 30 mg per day, given in divided doses
Comments:
-Doses should be adjusted based upon individual patient tolerance and response.
-The lowest effective dose should be used for maintenance.
-Single doses should not exceed 10 mg.
-At least 12 weeks of continued treatment may be necessary to assess whether treatment will produce a beneficial response.
Use: Treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Usual Adult Dose for Sjogren's Syndrome:

5 mg orally 4 times a day
Comment: Efficacy was typically established by the sixth week of use.
Use: Treatment of dry mouth symptoms in patients with Sjogren's syndrome

Detailed Pilocarpine dosage information

## What other drugs will affect pilocarpine?

Other drugs may interact with pilocarpine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Pilocarpine drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about pilocarpine

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (12)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading
- Pilocarpine (Systemic)
- Breastfeeding
- En español

#### Other brands

Salagen

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information
- Drug class: cholinergic agonists

### Related treatment guides

- Xerostomia

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.02.