Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 5mg
- 7.5mg
Radiation-induced Xerostomia
5 mg PO q8hr; may titrate up to 10 mg PO q8hr; not to exceed 30 mg/day
Xerostomia Associated with SjÖgren's Syndrome
5 mg PO q6hr
Hepatic Impairment
Mild impairment (Child-Pugh score of 5-6): Dose reduction not necessary
Moderate impairment (Child-Pugh score of 7-9): 5 mg PO BID followed by adjustment based on therapeutic response and tolerability
Severe impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10-15): Not recommended
Safety & efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (1)
- lonafarnib
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of lonafarnib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If coadministration of lonafarnib (a sensitive CYP3A substrate) with weak CYP3A inhibitors is unavoidable, reduce to, or continue lonafarnib at starting dose. Closely monitor for arrhythmias and events (eg, syncope, heart palpitations) since lonafarnib effect on QT interval is unknown.
Monitor Closely (77)
- aclidinium
pilocarpine increases and aclidinium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amifampridine
amifampridine and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amitriptyline
pilocarpine increases and amitriptyline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- amoxapine
pilocarpine increases and amoxapine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- anticholinergic/sedative combos
pilocarpine increases and anticholinergic/sedative combos decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atogepant
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of atogepant by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atracurium
pilocarpine increases and atracurium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atropine
pilocarpine increases and atropine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atropine IV/IM
pilocarpine increases and atropine IV/IM decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- avapritinib
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of avapritinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- axitinib
pilocarpine increases levels of axitinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- belladonna alkaloids
pilocarpine increases and belladonna alkaloids decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- belladonna and opium
pilocarpine increases and belladonna and opium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bethanechol
bethanechol and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carbachol
carbachol and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cevimeline
cevimeline and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cisatracurium
pilocarpine increases and cisatracurium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clomipramine
pilocarpine increases and clomipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclizine
pilocarpine increases and cyclizine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclobenzaprine
pilocarpine increases and cyclobenzaprine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- darifenacin
pilocarpine increases and darifenacin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dicyclomine
pilocarpine increases and dicyclomine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diphenhydramine
pilocarpine increases and diphenhydramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- donepezil
donepezil and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dosulepin
pilocarpine increases and dosulepin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- doxepin
pilocarpine increases and doxepin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- echothiophate iodide
echothiophate iodide and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fesoterodine
pilocarpine increases and fesoterodine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- finerenone
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of finerenone by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor serum potassium during initiation and dosage adjustment of either finererone or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Adjust finererone dosage as needed.
- flavoxate
pilocarpine increases and flavoxate decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flibanserin
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of flibanserin by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Increased flibanserin adverse effects may occur if coadministered with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.
- galantamine
galantamine and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- glycopyrrolate
pilocarpine increases and glycopyrrolate decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- glycopyrrolate inhaled
pilocarpine increases and glycopyrrolate inhaled decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- henbane
pilocarpine increases and henbane decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- homatropine
pilocarpine increases and homatropine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- huperzine A
huperzine A and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hyoscyamine
pilocarpine increases and hyoscyamine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hyoscyamine spray
pilocarpine increases and hyoscyamine spray decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- imipramine
pilocarpine increases and imipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ipratropium
pilocarpine increases and ipratropium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- isavuconazonium sulfate
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of isavuconazonium sulfate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ivacaftor
pilocarpine increases levels of ivacaftor by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor when coadministered with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors .
- lemborexant
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of lemborexant by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Lower nightly dose of lemborexant recommended if coadministered with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. See drug monograph for specific dosage modification.
- lofepramine
pilocarpine increases and lofepramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lomitapide
pilocarpine increases levels of lomitapide by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Lomitapide dose should not exceed 30 mg/day.
- maprotiline
pilocarpine increases and maprotiline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meclizine
pilocarpine increases and meclizine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methscopolamine
pilocarpine increases and methscopolamine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- midazolam intranasal
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of midazolam intranasal by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of mild CYP3A4 inhibitors with midazolam intranasal may cause higher midazolam systemic exposure, which may prolong sedation.
- neostigmine
neostigmine and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nortriptyline
pilocarpine increases and nortriptyline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- onabotulinumtoxinA
pilocarpine increases and onabotulinumtoxinA decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- orphenadrine
pilocarpine increases and orphenadrine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxybutynin
pilocarpine increases and oxybutynin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxybutynin topical
pilocarpine increases and oxybutynin topical decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxybutynin transdermal
pilocarpine increases and oxybutynin transdermal decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pancuronium
pilocarpine increases and pancuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- physostigmine
physostigmine and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pralidoxime
pilocarpine increases and pralidoxime decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- propantheline
pilocarpine increases and propantheline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- protriptyline
pilocarpine increases and protriptyline decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pyridostigmine
pilocarpine and pyridostigmine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rapacuronium
pilocarpine increases and rapacuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rivastigmine
pilocarpine and rivastigmine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
rivastigmine and pilocarpine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor. - rocuronium
pilocarpine increases and rocuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- scopolamine
pilocarpine increases and scopolamine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- solifenacin
pilocarpine increases and solifenacin decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- succinylcholine
pilocarpine and succinylcholine both increase cholinergic effects/transmission. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tazemetostat
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of tazemetostat by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tinidazole
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of tinidazole by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tiotropium
pilocarpine increases and tiotropium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tolterodine
pilocarpine increases and tolterodine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trimipramine
pilocarpine increases and trimipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trospium chloride
pilocarpine increases and trospium chloride decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- umeclidinium bromide
pilocarpine increases and umeclidinium bromide decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor when umeclidinium bromide is coadministered with cholinergic agents.
- vecuronium
pilocarpine increases and vecuronium decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (24)
- acebutolol
pilocarpine increases effects of acebutolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- atenolol
pilocarpine increases effects of atenolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- betaxolol
pilocarpine increases effects of betaxolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bisoprolol
pilocarpine increases effects of bisoprolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- carvedilol
pilocarpine increases effects of carvedilol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- celiprolol
pilocarpine increases effects of celiprolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- desipramine
pilocarpine increases and desipramine decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- donepezil
donepezil increases effects of pilocarpine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- esmolol
pilocarpine increases effects of esmolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- galantamine
galantamine increases effects of pilocarpine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- labetalol
pilocarpine increases effects of labetalol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- metoprolol
pilocarpine increases effects of metoprolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- nadolol
pilocarpine increases effects of nadolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- nebivolol
pilocarpine increases effects of nebivolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- pantothenic acid
pantothenic acid, pilocarpine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- penbutolol
pilocarpine increases effects of penbutolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- pindolol
pilocarpine increases effects of pindolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- procainamide
procainamide decreases effects of pilocarpine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- propranolol
pilocarpine increases effects of propranolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ruxolitinib
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of ruxolitinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ruxolitinib topical
pilocarpine will increase the level or effect of ruxolitinib topical by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- sotalol
pilocarpine increases effects of sotalol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- timolol
pilocarpine increases effects of timolol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- trazodone
pilocarpine increases and trazodone decreases cholinergic effects/transmission. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
>10%
Sweating (29%)
Headache (11%)
Flushing (8-13%)
Dizziness (5-12%)
Chills (3-15%)
Nausea (6-15%)
Urinary frequency (9-12%)
Rhinitis (5-14%)
Diaphoresis (29-68%)
1-10%
Pain (4%)
Asthenia (>3%)
Dyspepsia (7%)
Vomiting (3-4%)
Hypertension (3%)
Lacrimation (6%)
Amblyopia (4%)
Frequency Not Defined
Confusion
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Increased airway resistance
Diarrhea
Bladder tightness
Decreased visual acuity
Warnings
Contraindications
Uncontrolled asthma, anterior eye inflammation, any time miosis in undesirable (eg, narrow-angle glaucoma, acute iritis)
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Patients with significant cardiovascular disease may be unable to compensate for transient changes in hemodynamics or rhythm induced by therapy; pulmonary edema has been reported as a complication of pilocarpine toxicity from high ocular doses given for acute angle-closure glaucoma; pilocarpine should be administered with caution in and under close medical supervision of patients with significant cardiovascular disease
Therapy has been reported to increase airway resistance, bronchial
smooth muscle tone, and bronchial secretions; therapy should be administered with caution to and under close medical supervision in patients with controlled asthma, chronic
bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring pharmacotherapy
Pilocarpine toxicity is characterized by exaggeration of parasympathomimetic
effects, which may include: headache, visual disturbance, lacrimation, sweating, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal spasm, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, atrioventricular block, tachycardia,
bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, shock, mental confusion, cardiac arrhythmia, and tremors
Dose-related cardiovascular pharmacologic effects of pilocarpine include hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, and tachycardia
Drug should be administered with caution to patients with known or suspected cholelithiasis or biliary tract disease; contractions of gallbladder or biliary smooth muscle could precipitate
complications including cholecystitis, cholangitis, and biliary obstruction
Pilocarpine may increase ureteral smooth muscle tone and could theoretically precipitate renal colic (or "ureteral reflux"), particularly in patients with nephrolithiasis
Cholinergic agonists may have dose-related central nervous system effects; this should be considered when treating patients with underlying cognitive or psychiatric disturbances
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: unknown if drug is distributed into breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Cholinergic parasympathomimetic with predominant muscarinic action; increases secretion of exocrine glands (sweat, lacrimal, salivary, intestinal, pancreatic glands, and mucous cells of the respiratory tract may be stimulated
Tone and mobility of gallbladder, biliary duct, and urinary tract may be increased
Pharmacokinetics
Half-Life: 0.76-1.35 hr
Onset: 20 min (initial response for xerostomia)
Duration: 3-5 hr (single dose), >10 hr (multiple dose)
Peak plasma time: 0.85-1.25 hr
Bioavailability: High fat meal decreases rate & extent of absorption
Protein bound: None
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isopto Carpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops |  | |
| Isopto Carpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 2 % drops |  | |
| Isopto Carpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 4 % drops |  | |
| Salagen (pilocarpine) oral - | 7.5 mg tablet |  | |
| Salagen (pilocarpine) oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| Salagen (pilocarpine) oral - | 7.5 mg tablet |  | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 5 mg tablet | | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 7.5 mg tablet |  | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 7.5 mg tablet |  | |
| pilocarpine oral - | 7.5 mg tablet | | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 2 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 4 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 4 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 4 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 2 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 2 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 4 % drops |  | |
| pilocarpine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
pilocarpine oral
PILOCARPINE - ORAL
(PYE-loe-KAR-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Salagen
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of dry mouth due to a certain immune disease (Sjogren's syndrome) or from saliva gland damage due to radiation treatments of the head/neck for cancer. Pilocarpine belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic agonists. It works by stimulating certain nerves to increase the amount of saliva you produce, making it easier and more comfortable to speak and swallow.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily.To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you have liver problems, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug only twice daily. The usual maximum adult dose is 30 milligrams each day.Take this medication 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.You may start to feel some benefit in 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 3 months to feel the full benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Precautions.Sweating, nausea, runny nose, chills, flushing, frequent urge to urinate, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.This medication may cause an increase in tears. This can be helpful if you have dry eyes (such as with Sjogren's syndrome). Tell your doctor if runny eyes become a problem.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/fast heartbeat, shakiness (tremor), fainting, lung problems (such as increased wheezing/cough/phlegm), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation), severe stomach/abdominal pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), certain eye conditions (such as night blindness, acute iritis, narrow-angle glaucoma), heart disease (such as chest pain, heart failure, heart attack, slow heartbeat), low or high blood pressure, liver problems, gallbladder disease (such as gallstones), kidney stones, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychoses, thinking/understanding problems like dementia, Alzheimer's), stomach problems (such as chronic heartburn, ulcer).This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision problems, especially at night. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision, especially at night, until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).If pilocarpine makes you sweat heavily, drink plenty of fluids so that you do not become dehydrated. If you are unable to drink enough fluids, talk with your doctor right away.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, diarrhea, and increased urge to urinate.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: beta blockers (such as propranolol, metoprolol).Pilocarpine may cause drugs with "drying" effects (some antihistamines, anticholinergics such as certain drugs for asthma, over-active bladder, and Parkinson's) to work less well. Examples of affected drugs include chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, ipratropium, and tolterodine. These medications can also worsen dry mouth, causing pilocarpine to work less well. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could have a drying effect. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea that doesn't stop, heavy sweating, severe trouble breathing, severe wheezing, stomach cramps, vomiting, very slow/fast heartbeat, severe confusion.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments so that your doctor can monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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