Salagen

Presbyopia, Miosis, laser eye surgery + 8 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Salagen

Treatment for

Presbyopia

What is Salagen

Pilocarpine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Pilocarpine 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 Carpine

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Salagen Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Isopto Carpine

Pilocarpine

1974

Effectiveness

How Salagen Affects Patients

Pilocarpine 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 body

Pilocarpine 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

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Conjunctival, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Conjunctival, Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Implant, Implant - Intraocular, Intraocular, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Kit, Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Topical

Miosis

laser eye surgery

Glaucoma, Open-Angle

Radiotherapy

Glaucoma

Xerostomia

Open Angle Glaucoma

Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma, Angle-Closure

Glaucoma

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 Contraindications

Condition

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

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Salagen.

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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

Presbyopia

8 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3

Glaucoma

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma, Open-Angle

0 Actively Recruiting

Miosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma, Angle-Closure

0 Actively Recruiting

Open Angle Glaucoma

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Xerostomia

0 Actively Recruiting

laser eye surgery

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma

0 Actively Recruiting

Ocular Hypertension

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Radiotherapy

7 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2

Salagen Reviews: What are patients saying about Salagen?

Patient Review

8/19/2014

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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?

Patient Review

4/23/2015

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

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.

Patient Review

3/19/2016

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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.

Patient Review

1/14/2019

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

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.

Patient Review

9/8/2012

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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.

4.3

Patient Review

9/7/2016

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

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!

4.3

Patient Review

1/15/2010

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

3.7

Patient Review

5/19/2010

Salagen for Dry Mouth caused by Radiation Therapy

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.

3.7

Patient Review

11/12/2009

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

3.3

Patient Review

7/6/2015

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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.

3.3

Patient Review

8/11/2014

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

I've been taking this medication three times daily for over two weeks now and have yet to see any improvement.

Patient Review

2/25/2011

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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.

2.7

Patient Review

10/5/2010

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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.

2.3

Patient Review

6/19/2011

Salagen for Dry Mouth caused by Radiation Therapy

I really want to buy this medication, but I don't know where to find it.

2.3

Patient Review

11/8/2014

Salagen for Dry Mouth

I've found that the name brand of this drug is much more effective than its generic counterpart.

2.3

Patient Review

10/11/2011

Salagen for Rheumatoid Arthritis

I'm not sure if this treatment is working for me or not.

1.7

Patient Review

2/1/2014

Salagen for Dry Mouth

I experienced some unfortunate side effects while taking this medication, including cramps in my legs, diarrhea, and a faster heart rate.

1.3

Patient Review

10/20/2011

Salagen for Dry Mouth Secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome

Unfortunately, I'm still experiencing dry mouth.

Patient Review

1/7/2011

Salagen for Dry Mouth

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.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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