Salagen (Pilocarpine)

Do's

• Take Salagen by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider, typically 3 to 4 times daily.
• Take the medication regularly and at the same time each day for best results.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully, especially regarding starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it.
• Continue to drink water or use saliva substitutes as needed to keep your mouth moist.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens after taking Salagen for some time.

Don'ts

• Don't take more than the prescribed dose of Salagen.
• Don't stop taking Salagen without consulting your healthcare provider. There's no mention in this excerpt about not taking it with certain medications or avoiding specific foods (besides grapefruit for Sandimmune in the previous example). However, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider for the most accurate and complete information on using Salagen.

Common side effects:

• Increased sweating
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Weakness
• Increased need to urinate
• Visual disturbances
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• High or low blood pressure
• Excessive tearing
• Voice changes
• Stuffy nose
• Tremor
• Nervousness

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Fast or slow heart rate
• Severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears
• Confusion
• Tremors
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Lung problems (such as increased wheezing, cough, or phlegm)
• Mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation)
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Serious allergic reactions (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Salagen,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have before taking Salagen. This includes allergies to pilocarpine itself or any other ingredients in the medication.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly if you have breathing problems, certain eye conditions, heart disease, blood pressure problems, liver problems, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, mental/mood disorders, or stomach problems. These conditions can affect how Salagen works or worsen side effects.

Salagen may cause dizziness or vision problems, especially at night. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness or clear vision, especially at night, until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

If Salagen makes you sweat heavily, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unable to drink enough fluids.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects of Salagen, especially dizziness, diarrhea, and increased need to urinate.

During pregnancy, Salagen should only be used when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if Salagen passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.