Pilocarpine

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

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

Pilocarpine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

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

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.

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

Pilocarpine may cause serious side effects. Stop using pilocarpine and call your doctor right away 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 tingling 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Xerostomia:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally 3 times a dayMaintenance dose: 15 to 30 mg per day, given in divided dosesComments:-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 dayComment: Efficacy was typically established by the sixth week of use.Use: Treatment of dry mouth symptoms in patients with Sjogren's syndrome

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

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much pilocarpine can be deadly at very high doses.

Pilocarpine may cause blurred vision, particularly at night or in dim light. Use caution if you drive or perform tasks that need clear vision.

Do not become overheated while exercising or in hot weather. Pilocarpine can increase sweating, and you may be more likely to become dehydrated.

Other drugs may interact with pilocarpine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicines you begin or stop using.