Sign inBefore taking pilocarpine
Before taking pilocarpine oral make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart or circulation problems.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from gallstones.
- If you suffer from asthma or breathing problems.
- If you suffer from glaucoma.
- If you have a stomach ulcer.
- If you have mental health problems.
- If you have acute iritis (inflammation of the eye).
- If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
Pilocarpine is not recommended for children.
How to take pilocarpine
- Before taking pilocarpine, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your tablets exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take your doses at regular intervals during the day to keep a steady level of pilocarpine in your body.
- Take pilocarpine tablets with or immediately after food, with a large glass of water. Always take your last dose with your evening meal.
- Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Pilocarpine can cause you to sweat more than you usually do. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day and take care not to become dehydrated during exercise.
- If your condition has not improved after two to three months, ask your doctor for advice.
- If you are due to have any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, it is important that you tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking pilocarpine.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with these tablets.
Can pilocarpine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Sweating | Take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather |
| Blurred vision, dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving (particularly at night-time), operating machinery or doing any other job that could be dangerous if you were not alert or able to see clearly |
| Diarrhoea, abdominal pain | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Indigestion, feeling or being sick | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Flushing, high blood-pressure, palpitations, weakness, flu-like symptoms, increased need to urinate (pass water), watery eyes, eye problems, runny nose, skin rash and itchiness | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
How to store pilocarpine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Salagen®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised July 2007, accessed September 2008.
- British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).