Drugs & Vitamins

Salagen Active Ingredients: Pilocarpine Oral Representative Names: Salagen Available Product Images: What are pilocarpine tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with pilocarpine? What side effects may I notice from taking pilocarpine? What should I watch for while taking pilocarpine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are pilocarpine tablets? (Back to top) PILOCARPINE (Salagen®) can increase the flow of saliva. Pilocarpine tablets relieve a dry mouth following radiotherapy treatment for cancer of the head and neck. Generic pilocarpine tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma, bronchitis •gallstones or biliary tract disease •glaucoma •heart disease •inflammation of the eye •kidney stones •liver disease •mental problems •an unusual or allergic reaction to pilocarpine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •breast-feeding •pregnant or trying to get pregnant How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take pilocarpine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with pilocarpine? (Back to top) •antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold •atropine •certain medicines for bladder problems like bethanecol, oxybutynin, tolterodine •certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl •certain medicines for quitting smoking like nicotine •certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine •certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine •ipratropium •medicines for blood pressure or heart problems like metoprolol Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking pilocarpine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing •irregular heartbeat •vomiting •weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •catarrh or runny nose •chills •dizziness •flushing •headache •increased sweating •nausea •stomach upset •trembling •urgent need to pass urine What should I watch for while taking pilocarpine? (Back to top) Pilocarpine can make your vision blur. You may find it is difficult to see, especially at night. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you know how pilocarpine affects you. While you are taking pilocarpine, have plenty to drink. You can get dehydrated if the tablets make you sweat a lot. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/15/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.