How long does Salagen take to work?

How long does Salagen take to work?

You may start to feel some benefit in 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 3 months to feel the full benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Is pilocarpine the same as Salagen?

Pilocarpine (Salagen) is a cholinergic agonist, which means that it binds to and activates cholinergic receptors in your body. In the mouth, cholinergic receptors work on the saliva glands, so pilocarpine (Salagen) helps you make more saliva.

Does pilocarpine help with dry mouth?

Pilocarpine tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck or in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. This medicine may help you speak without having to sip liquids.

When is the best time to take pilocarpine?

Take your doses during (or straight after) a meal, and make sure you take your last dose of the day with your evening meal. If you are taking pilocarpine because you have Sjögren’s syndrome, the usual dose is one tablet four times daily. Take a tablet with each of your three main meals, and also one at bedtime.

Why is my mouth extremely dry?

Dry mouth can be due to certain health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth or Alzheimer’s disease, or due to autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS. Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to dry mouth. Tobacco and alcohol use.

How do I keep my mouth from getting dry when I sleep?

How to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping

1. Use a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air.
2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
3. Use a fluoride toothpaste and/or use a fluoride rinse.
4. Use a moisturizing dry mouth mouthwash and avoid those with alcohol.
5. Avoid spicy, acidic, and sugary foods before bed.

Does Salagen have side effects?

Sweating, nausea, runny nose, chills, flushing, frequent urge to urinate, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may cause an increase in tears.

What is Salagen 5 mg?

Salagen film-coated tablets are white, round biconvex tablets, marked “SAL” on one side and “5” on the other side. Alleviation of symptoms of salivary gland hypofunction in patients with severe xerostomia following irradiation for head and neck cancer.

Who should not use pilocarpine?

You should not use pilocarpine if you are allergic to it, or if you have: untreated or uncontrolled asthma; or. narrow-angle glaucoma.

Who should not take pilocarpine?

Before taking pilocarpine, Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have asthma, acute iritis (uveitis; swelling and irritation inside the eye), or glaucoma (an eye disease). Your doctor may tell you not to take pilocarpine.

Can I stop taking Salagen?

Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Like all medicines, Salagen can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can you use pilocarpine long term?

A recent multi-center study in SS patients suggests that oral pilocarpine is effective and safe for long-term administration.

How effective is Salagen® for dry mouth?

In patients treated with 5 mg and 10 mg of SALAGEN® Tablets, the greatest improvement in dryness was noted in patients with no measurable salivary flow at baseline. In both studies, some patients noted improvement in the global assessment of their dry mouth, speaking without liquids, and a reduced need for supplemental oral comfort agents.

What is Salagen used for?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 18, 2018 – Written by Cerner Multum. Salagen affects the nervous system and increases saliva secretion in the mouth. Salagen is used to treat dry mouth caused by Sjogren’s syndrome, or by radiation to treat head and neck cancer.

How does Salagen affect the body?

Salagen affects the nervous system and increases saliva secretion in the mouth. Salagen is used to treat dry mouth caused by Sjogren’s syndrome, or by radiation to treat head and neck cancer.

How should I take Salagen?

How to use Salagen. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3-4 times daily, or as directed by your doctor. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Dosage is based on your medical…