Salagen

What is it?

A preparation which is a cholinergic agonist available as film- coated, white tablets containing 5mg of pilocarpine hydrochloride marked 5mg and SAL.

Medical Uses

Xerostomia (lack of salivation and dry mouth) caused by radiotherapy, dry eyes and dry mouth due to Sjogren's syndrome (immune system disorder in which there is a lack of salivary, lacrirnal and mucous membrane secretions resulting in dryness).

Dosage

Adults, xerostomia, 1 tablet 3 times each day after meals; Sjogren' syndrome, 1 tablet 4 times each day after meals. The daily maximum is 6 tablets and treatment should be stopped after 3 months if no effect is noted.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, stomach ulcer, liver or kidney disorder, COPD (obstructive airways disease), disease of biliary tract, heart and circulatory disease, cholelithiasis, psychiatric or cognitive disorders.

Avoid Use

Children, asthma which is not controlled, cardiorenal disease which is not under comntrol, conditions when miosis is undesirable.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Anticholinergics, β-blockers, other cholinergic agonists.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, flushes, chills, headache, sweating, runny, irritated nose and eyes, frequent urination, blurring or disruption of vision, pain in abdomen, high blood pressure, other cholinergic effects.

Manufacturer

Novartis.