Pilocarpine tablets
Pilocarpine tablets
What is this medicine?
PILOCARPINE (PYE loe KAR peen) can increase saliva in the mouth. This medicine is used to treat dry mouth from radiation treatment or from Sjogren's syndrome.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives
breathing problems
confusion
irregular heartbeat
stomach pains
tremor
unusual blood pressure
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in vision
chills, flushing
diarrhea
headache
increased sweating
nausea
runny eyes, nose
urgent need to pass urine
What may interact with this medicine?
antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
atropine
certain medicines for Alzheimer's disease like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine
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
What if I miss a dose?
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.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
eye infection or other eye problems
glaucoma
heart disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
an unusual or allergic reaction to pilocarpine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
You may get blurry vision or have trouble telling how far something is from you. This may be a problem at night or when the lights are low. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you know how this medicine affects you.
If you sweat a lot, drink enough to replace fluids. Do not get dehydrated.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018