The Pilocarpine is a drug used in the treatment of dry mouth can be caused by cancer therapies and treatments used in case of Sjogren’s syndrome .
What is Pilocarpine?
Pilocarpine works by increasing salivary gland secretion of saliva .
How is Pilocarpine taken?
Pilocarpine is usually administered orally . To minimize the risk of dehydration it is advisable to drink a lot during treatment .
Side effects of Pilocarpine
The potential side effects of Pilocarpine include:
- chills
- dizziness
- redness
- frequent urination
- nausea
- a runny nose
- sweating
- vision problems
- weakness
The doctor should be contacted without hesitation in case of:
- rash
- urticaria
- itch
- breathing difficulties
- feeling of tightness in the chest
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- abdominal pain
- breathing difficulties
- changes in heart rhythm
- confusional state
- excessive sweating
- excessive tearing
- headache
- tremors
- He retched
Warnings on the use of Pilocarpine
Pilocarpine can reduce the ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery . This effect can be aggravated by alcohol and some medications.
Pilocarpine treatment may take up to twelve weeks before it starts to produce its effects.
Before starting treatment with Pilocarpine, you must inform your doctor:
- of any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug or food;
- of medicinal products, herbal remedies and supplements taken, remembering to mention in particular parasympathomimetic agents, beta-blockers and anticholinergic agents;
- if you have suffered or still suffer from retinal detachment, eye infections, cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, liver or kidney disease, stones or other gallbladder problems and psychiatric diseases;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
