Pilocarpine Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on June 8, 2020.
Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 7.5 mg; hydrochloride
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Xerostomia
Initial dose: 5 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 15 to 30 mg per day, given in divided doses
Comments:
-Doses should be adjusted based upon individual patient tolerance and response.
-The lowest effective dose should be used for maintenance.
-Single doses should not exceed 10 mg.
-At least 12 weeks of continued treatment may be necessary to assess whether treatment will produce a beneficial response.
Use: Treatment of symptoms of dry mouth from salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Usual Adult Dose for Sjogren's Syndrome
5 mg orally 4 times a day
Comment: Efficacy was typically established by the sixth week of use.
Use: Treatment of dry mouth symptoms in patients with Sjogren's syndrome
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Mild liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh Score 5 to 6): No adjustment recommended.
Moderate liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh Score 6 to 10):
-Initial dose: 5 mg orally 2 times a day
-Maintenance dose: Doses may be adjusted, based on response and tolerability.
Severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh Score 10 to 15): Not recommended.
Patients with known/suspected cholelithiasis or biliary tract disease: Use with caution.
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
-Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients
-Patients with uncontrolled asthma
-When miosis is undesirable (e.g., in acute iritis, in narrow-angle [angle-closure] glaucoma)
Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
-Doses should be taken with water.
Storage requirements:
-Protect from light and moisture.
General:
-Adverse events are dose-related, and occur more frequently with higher doses.
Patient advice:
-Inform patients that this drug may cause depth perception impairment, dizziness, visual disturbances (especially at night), and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
-Inform patients that this drug may cause confusion, disorientation, drowsiness, and/or excessive hypotension, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
-Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
More about pilocarpine
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- Drug class: cholinergic agonists
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.