Your session is about to expire
What is Salagen
PilocarpineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPilocarpine is a medication that helps to reduce pressure in the eye. It works by stimulating the muscles around the eye, and also helps to reduce the size of the pupil. Pilocarpine is commonly used to treat glaucoma, an eye condition caused by increased pressure in the eye.
Isopto Carpineis the brand name
Salagen Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Isopto Carpine
Pilocarpine
1974
62
Effectiveness
How Salagen Affects PatientsPilocarpine is a medication that stimulates the glands in the body, such as those that produce sweat, saliva, tears, or mucous. It can also be used to treat certain eye conditions, and when taken it will cause the pupil to constrict. Pilocarpine may also have effects on the digestive system, increasing movement and muscle tone in the intestines, as well as in the bladder, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Pilocarpine can have an unpredictable effect on the cardiovascular system, sometimes causing either an increase or decrease in blood pressure, as well as either an increase or decrease in heart
How Salagen works in the bodyPilocarpine is a drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. When applied to the eyes, it increases production of tears and causes the iris and ciliary muscles to contract. This is achieved by activating muscarinic receptors.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dose of Salagen is reliant upon the diagnosed state, including Open Angle Glaucoma, Miosis and laser eye surgery. The quantity of dosage depends on the delivery procedure indicated in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Presbyopia
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Radiotherapy
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Miosis
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Dry Mouth
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Ocular Hypertension
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Open Angle Glaucoma
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
chronic open-angle glaucoma
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
laser eye surgery
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Glaucoma, Closed-Angle
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Inadequate reduction of intraocular pressure on pilocarpine or beta-blocker monotherapy
, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 11.0 mg, 0.5 %, 6.0 %, 1.75 %, 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mg, 10.0 mg, 0.025 mg/mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical
Warnings
Salagen has four contraindications. It should not be taken in the event that any of the conditions in the following table are present.Salagen ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Asthma
Do Not Combine
Iritis
Do Not Combine
Miosis disorder
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pilocarpine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Salagen Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acetaminophen
Major
The metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Antipyrine
Major
The metabolism of Antipyrine can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Apremilast
Major
The metabolism of Apremilast can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Arformoterol
Major
The metabolism of Arformoterol can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Asunaprevir
Major
The metabolism of Asunaprevir can be decreased when combined with Pilocarpine.
Salagen Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Salagen?
60 current trials are assessing the potential of Salagen to ameliorate Dry Mouth, reduce Intraocular Pressure on monotherapy of Pilocarpine or Beta-blockers and alleviate symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
laser eye surgery
0 Actively Recruiting
Open Angle Glaucoma
12 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Miosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Radiotherapy
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Ocular Hypertension
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Presbyopia
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
chronic open-angle glaucoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)
0 Actively Recruiting
Glaucoma, Closed-Angle
0 Actively Recruiting
Dry Mouth
0 Actively Recruiting
Inadequate reduction of intraocular pressure on pilocarpine or beta-blocker monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Salagen Reviews: What are patients saying about Salagen?
5Patient Review
8/19/2014 I had some issues with this medication when the dosage was increased in 2013. These included excessive saliva, sweating, chills and weight gain. Once the dose was cut back down, the sweating became tolerable; however, I have been unable to lose the extra weight. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
5Patient Review
4/23/2015 I started taking this medication about a week ago for dry mouth caused by thrush. I was prescribed 5mg 3 times daily, but I decided to start with 2 times daily to see how the medication would affect me. Within a few days, I began feeling very agitated. I became easily irritated, my heart rate increased, and I generally didn't feel well. I will not be taking any more of this medication and will be speaking to my doctor on Monday morning.
5Patient Review
3/19/2016 Salagen was quick to work for me, and I only needed a small dosage of it. I started with three pills per day, but have since increased to five. They help me a lot in the morning so that I can exercise without pain.
5Patient Review
1/14/2019 I find that taking only a half-tablet at a time helps me to manage the overwhelming amount of saliva production. It's also difficult to sleep when you have that much saliva, so cutting the dose in half has been really helpful. Additionally, I've noticed that it seems to help with my eyes (I have Sjogren's Syndrome) and explains why I was experiencing night sweats.
5Patient Review
9/8/2012 I had a really negative reaction to this drug last night. I was sweating, had a headache, and felt nauseous. I'm not sure if it was an interaction with other drugs I'm taking, but my doctor says it shouldn't have been.
4.3Patient Review
9/7/2016 My ophthalmologist recommended this to me for my dry eyes, and it's been working great! I started with a low dose and gradually increased it until I found the right dosage for me. If my eyes get particularly dry, I'll take an extra dose for a day or two until they're back to normal. So far so good!
4.3Patient Review
1/15/20103.7Patient Review
5/19/2010 I've found this treatment to be effective, but the side effects—sweating and chills, especially at night when I'm trying to sleep—are really unpleasant.
3.7Patient Review
11/12/20093.3Patient Review
7/6/2015 Really does help with dry mouth by producing saliva. This was really helpful after I got dental work done, as it helped my mouth sores heal more quickly.
3.3Patient Review
8/11/2014 I've been taking this medication three times daily for over two weeks now and have yet to see any improvement.
3Patient Review
2/25/2011 This drug does help with dry mouth, but the effect wears off too quickly if I have to produce a lot of saliva at once. Additionally, it gives me weird side effects when I try to sleep like holding my breath and involuntary muscle movements.
2.7Patient Review
10/5/2010 This medicine has really helped me a lot. I have Sjogren's and without it, I can barely swallow or talk. The only downside is that when it starts to wear off, I often wake up so dry that I can't swallow.
2.3Patient Review
6/19/2011 I really want to buy this medication, but I don't know where to find it.
2.3Patient Review
11/8/2014 I've found that the name brand of this drug is much more effective than its generic counterpart.
2.3Patient Review
10/11/2011 I'm not sure if this treatment is working for me or not.
1.7Patient Review
2/1/2014 I experienced some unfortunate side effects while taking this medication, including cramps in my legs, diarrhea, and a faster heart rate.
1.3Patient Review
10/20/2011 Unfortunately, I'm still experiencing dry mouth.
1Patient Review
1/7/2011 I haven't seen much of a difference after taking Pilocarpine for three weeks, according to my own observations. However, lab results show that it can take up to eight weeks for the drug to be effective, and those results seem promising. I also haven't had any side effects so far, which is great.
Patient Q&A Section about salagen
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How does pilocarpine work for dry mouth?
"Pilocarpine is a drug that increases the amount of saliva produced, making it easier to speak and swallow. It belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic agonists, which work by stimulating certain nerves."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Salagen used for?
"This medication is designed to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth that are caused by Sjogren's syndrome, an immune disease. Alternatively, it can be used to help those who have suffered damage to their saliva glands as a result of radiation treatments for cancer in the head or neck area. Pilocarpine is classified as a cholinergic agonist drug."
Answered by AI
Is Salagen safe to take?
"Salagen may cause blurred vision, especially at night or in low light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Salagen can increase sweating and you may be more prone to dehydration."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking pilocarpine?
"The following are continuing or severe side effects that should be reported to your doctor: chest pain, diarrhea, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, headaches, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or pain, and fatigue or weakness."
Answered by AI