Pilocarpine - oral

Pilocarpine is used to treat the symptoms of dry mouth caused by an autoimmune disease or by a radiation therapy for cancer of the head or neck.

Take Pilocarpine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- uncontrolled asthma
- excessive constriction of the pupil of the eyes
as Pilocarpine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- lung disease
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- stomach ulcer
- gallbladder or bile disorder
- glaucoma (increase pressure in the eye)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Pilocarpine.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly to monitor the pressure in your eyes. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Pilocarpine may cause dizziness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, eye pain or inflammation, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, stomach discomfort, indigestion, excessive sweating, flu-like symptoms, weakness, chills, skin rash or itch and an increase urge to pass urine more often.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. atenolol, propranolol, metoprolol
- medicines for asthma e.g. ipratropium
- medicines for stomach or intestine disorder e.g. atropine

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pilocarpine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid taking Pilocarpine with high fat meal. Ask your doctor about the types of food you need to avoid.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.