GENERIC NAME: PILOCARPINE - ORAL (pie-low-KAR-peen)

BRAND NAME(S): Salagen

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication causes an increase in saliva flow. It is used to treat dry mouth.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed usually three times a day. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not increase the dose or take this more often than directed since the chance of side effects will be increased.

SIDE EFFECTS: Sweating, stomach upset, runny nose, flushing, chills, dizziness, weakness, and frequent urination may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these highly unlikely symptoms: skin rash, anxiety, mood changes, headache, vomiting, eye pain, rapid or slowed heart rate, chest pain, tremor, breathing trouble. This drug may affect your vision, especially at night. Use caution driving. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: gallbladder problems, urinary tract disorders, asthma, lung disease, heart disease, liver disease, psychiatric illness, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: heart medication, asthma medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Sjogren's Syndrome - Learn about Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Primary Sjogren's syndrome only affects the glands, while secondary Sjogren's syndrome also involves the connective tissue. Symptoms may include dry eyes, dry mouth, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. Though there is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth. Source:MedicineNet Retinal Detachment - Learn the signs, symptoms (floaters), statistics, causes, treatment (surgery) and risk factors (severe myopia, cataract surgery) of detached retinas. Source:MedicineNet Read 26 more pilocarpine related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection