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Pilocarpine oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe pilocarpine oral tablet for dry mouth in adults who have Sjögren disease or in certain adults with head or neck cancer. You take it by mouth 3 to 4 times per day.
Medically reviewed by Fallon Mumford, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes pilocarpine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for pilocarpine. To learn more about pilocarpine, talk with your doctor.

Pilocarpine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Salagen. Pilocarpine also comes as an eye drop, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about pilocarpine eye drops and their dosage, talk with your doctor.

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Dosage of pilocarpine

This article describes the recommended dosages for pilocarpine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of pilocarpine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of pilocarpine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of pilocarpine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of pilocarpine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for dry mouth in adults with Sjögren disease

To treat dry mouth in adults with Sjögren disease, the dosage of pilocarpine oral tablet is as follows:

  • Dose: 5 milligrams (mg)
  • Frequency: four times per day

Dosages for dry mouth in certain adults with head or neck cancer

To treat dry mouth in certain adults with head or neck cancer, the dosages of pilocarpine oral tablet are as follows:

  • Starting dosage: 5 mg three times per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 5 to 10 mg three times per day
  • Maximum dose: 10 mg per dose

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pilocarpine oral tablet and its dosage.

If my doctor increases my dosage of pilocarpine, am I more likely to have side effects?

Yes, taking a higher dosage of pilocarpine increases your risk of having side effects. The most common side effects include sweating, nausea, chills, runny nose, and flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color).

Your doctor will likely prescribe the lowest dosage of pilocarpine that works for you. This is to help lower the risk of side effects.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosage of pilocarpine and its side effects.

Is pilocarpine oral tablet approved for glaucoma? If so, what’s the dosage?

No, pilocarpine oral tablet isn’t approved to treat glaucoma. So, there isn’t a recommended dosage for this use. (Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause optic nerve damage and vision loss.)

However, pilocarpine comes in an eye drop form that’s approved to treat glaucoma. For more information about the dosage of pilocarpine eye drops, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Forms and strengths of pilocarpine

Pilocarpine oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: a tablet that you swallow
  • Strengths: 5 mg, 7.5 mg

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Overdose of pilocarpine

It’s important that you do not take more pilocarpine oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects, which may sometimes lead to death.

What to do if you take too much pilocarpine

If you think you’ve taken too much pilocarpine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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