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Home > Drug Category > Sjogren's Syndrome > Salagen and Equivalent

Salagen Information

Salagen (Pilocarpine) is used to treat symptoms of dry mouth. A dry mouth is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Salogen treats dry mouth that occurs from a certain immune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome or from saliva gland damage due to radiation treatments of cancer of the head or neck. The active ingredient in Salagen is Pilocarpine. Cholinergic agonists like Pilocarpine stimulate certain nerves to increase the amount of saliva you produce, making it easier for you to speak and swallow.

Salagen Side Effects

The most common side effects of Salagen may include sweating, nausea, frequent urge to urinate, weakness, diarrhea, and watery eyes. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Confusion;
• Fainting;
• Fast or slow heart rate;
• Shortness of breath;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Salagen Precautions

Do not use Salagen if you are allergic to Pilocarpine or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have Uncontrolled asthma, Narrow-angle glaucoma, Heart disease, Liver disease, Mental illness, Gallbladder problems, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Salagen and other medications, such as warfarin, propranolol, donepezil, etc. Do not use Salagen if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if the drug will harm a fetus. Do not use Salagen while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Salagen passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug by mouth with or without food, usually 3 to 4 times daily. Your dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this drug regularly to get the most benefit out of it. You may start to feel the benefits of this drug within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 3 months to feel the full benefit of the drug. Pilocarpine may make you dizzy or cause vision problems, especially at night. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can safely do so. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this drug. Alcohol can increase your risk of dizziness. Drink plenty of fluids when taking Pilocarpine. This drug may make you sweat more and become dehydrated. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Salagen?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Salagen.