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Last Updated: 12/23/2024

Pilocarpine

Drug Name(s): Salagen, generic

Class: Cholinergics

Used to relieve dry mouth associated with Sjögren’s Disease.

Dosage

Form(s): tablet  

5 or 7.5 mg three or four times per day, no more than 30 mg per day.

Special Instructions

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.

Take each dose with a glass of water.

Allow several weeks of uninterrupted treatment before improvement is noticed.

Potential Side Effects

Changes in blood pressure or heart rate; flushing; frequent urination; headache; sweating

Be Aware

Do not take if you are hypersensitive to pilocarpine or have uncontrolled asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, significant cardiovascular disease, acute iritis or narrow angle glaucoma. May interact with certain medications, including those to treat asthma and Parkinson’s Disease. Beta blockers can increase the risk of pilocarpine’s side effects.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Drug Guide is meant for education — not self-medicating. The Arthritis Foundation does not endorse any products mentioned in this guide. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness of the information provided.