Before taking Salagen (pilocarpine), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Salagen (pilocarpine) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: uncontrolled/severe asthma, certain eye conditions (e.g., acute iritis, narrow-angle glaucoma), severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis).
Before using Salagen (pilocarpine), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., chronic heart failure, angina, abnormally slow heartbeat, high blood pressure), lung disease (e.g., controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), gallbladder disease (e.g., gallstones) bile duct problems, kidney stones, mental/mood disorders (e.g., thinking/understanding problems, psychiatric conditions).
Salagen (pilocarpine) may cause vision problems (especially at night) that could make safe driving difficult. Make sure you know how Salagen (pilocarpine) affects your vision during the day and at night before driving. Salagen (pilocarpine) may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
If Salagen (pilocarpine) makes you sweat heavily, drink plenty of fluids so that you do not become dehydrated. If you are unable to drink enough fluids, consult your doctor immediately.
Caution is advised when using Salagen (pilocarpine) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, diarrhea, and increased urge to urinate.
During pregnancy, Salagen (pilocarpine) should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Salagen (pilocarpine) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Salagen (pilocarpine) by mouth with or without food, usually 3-4 times daily, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Salagen (pilocarpine) is started at a low dose so that your doctor can determine the best dose, increase it gradually as needed, and monitor you closely for side effects. If you have liver problems, you may start by taking Salagen (pilocarpine) twice daily.
Dosage of Salagen (pilocarpine) is based on your liver function, medical condition, and response to therapy.
Use Salagen (pilocarpine) regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
You may continue to drink water or use saliva substitutes as needed for moisture in your mouth.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after you have reached a steady dose of Salagen (pilocarpine).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Sweating, nausea, runny nose, chills, flushing, increased urge to urinate, dizziness, weakness, and diarrhea may occur. Less common side effects may include vomiting, vision changes, and headache. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Salagen (pilocarpine) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Salagen (pilocarpine) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast heartbeat, shakiness, eye irritation/redness, nosebleeds, aching muscles, unusual/bad taste in the mouth, voice changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of worsening lung problems (e.g., increased wheezing/cough/phlegm).
A very serious allergic reaction to Salagen (pilocarpine) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Salagen side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Salagen (pilocarpine), take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using Salagen (pilocarpine), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol).
Certain drugs (antihistamines/anticholinergics such as diphenhydramine, loratadine, ipratropium) might be less effective when taken with Salagen (pilocarpine). Consult your pharmacist for more information.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.