The U.S. FDA-approved Pilocarpine to treat people with dry eyes and mouth condition on April 12, 1996. 

Pilocarpine is used to treat dryness in the mouth once after the radiotherapy of head or neck cancer. Additionally, It is given to treat the dryness in the mouth and eyes when you have been diagnosed with the medical condition called Sjogren's syndrome. 

Swallow the tablet with water during or directly after meals. Do not crush, bite, or chew. Your physician will decide the accurate frequency and duration of this treatment by monitoring your progress.

The most common side effects of Pilocarpine are flu-like symptoms, weakness, chills, runny nose, sweating, headache, frequent urination, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, watering of the mouth, watery eyes, abnormal or blurred vision, red and swollen eyes, painful eyes. 

Serious side effects while taking Pilocarpine include allergic reactions, including rash and itching, fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure. 

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Pilocarpine or the other ingredients of this medicine or if you have any medical condition such as uncontrolled asthma, heart (heart failure / irregular pulse), liver disorder, or kidney (renal insufficiency, or stone) disorder, acute inflammation of the iris, or any chronic disease. Before starting the treatment, tell your doctor if you have any lung-related problems (chronic pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis), bile duct problems, stomach or intestinal problems, cognitive or mental problems, or eye problems. 

Your doctor might check your eye before beginning the treatment; inform your doctor if you have yet to have an eye check-up recently. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any liver disorder (cirrhosis) because your doctor will begin your treatment with a low dose and increase the dose based on the response. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant or already pregnant. It is advised to use effective contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy during treatment. 

Do not stop Pilocarpine unless your doctor tells you. If no improvement is noted, your physician may discontinue the therapy. Your doctor will adjust the dosage based on the response to the treatment. This medicine may cause impaired fertility in both men and women; discuss with your doctor for more fertility concerns. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you take any other medicine. If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. 

1. Norgine Pharmaceuticals Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2020] [Accessed on 29th April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1370.pdf
2. KD Tripathi, Cholinergic Transmission and Cholinergic Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 110-123.
3. S.H. Ralston, I.B. McInnes, Rheumatology and bone disease, Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 1057-1135.
4. G.G. Dark, A.R. Abdul Razak, Oncology, Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 259-282.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.