Salagen

Generic name: Pilocarpine (oral)
Drug class: Cholinergic agonists

Usage of Salagen

Salagen affects the nervous system and increases saliva secretion in the mouth.

Salagen is used to treat dry mouth caused by Sjogren's syndrome, or by radiation to treat head and neck cancer.

Salagen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Salagen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Salagen may cause serious side effects. Stop using Salagen and call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath;

fast or slow heart rate;

severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;

confusion, tremors; or

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects of Salagen may include:

increased sweating, urinating more than usual;

chills, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

headache, dizziness, weakness;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

blurred vision, watery eyes; or

runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Salagen

You should not use Salagen if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

untreated or uncontrolled asthma; or

narrow-angle glaucoma.

To make sure Salagen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

glaucoma or vision problems;

liver disease;

kidney disease;

heart disease;

gallbladder problems;

mental illness;

if you take heart or blood pressure medicine; or

if you use a bronchodilator to treat a breathing disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Salagen will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Salagen.

It is not known whether pilocarpine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

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How to use Salagen

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Salagen with or without food.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Salagen. This medicine can cause increased sweating and you may get dehydrated easily.

Use Salagen regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

You should not use Salagen if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or asthma that is untreated or uncontrolled.

What other drugs will affect Salagen

Other drugs may interact with pilocarpine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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