Salagen (Pilocarpine Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 21, 2012

Salagen

Glaucoma »

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma...

Read the Glaucoma article »

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Salagen

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SALAGEN
(pilocarpine hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated

DRUG DESCRIPTION

SALAGEN® Tablets contain pilocarpine hydrochloride, a cholinergic agonist for oral use. Pilocarpine hydrochloride is a hygroscopic, odorless, bitter tasting white crystal or powder which is soluble in water and alcohol and virtually insoluble in most non-polar solvents. Pilocarpine hydrochloride, with a chemical name of (3S-cis)-2(3H)-Furanone, 3-ethyl-dihydro-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl] mono-hydrochloride, has a molecular weight of 244.72.

SALAGEN (pilocarpine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Each 5 mg SALAGEN® Tablet for oral administration contains 5 mg of pilocarpine hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients in the tablet, the tablet's film coating, and polishing are: carnauba wax, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, titanium dioxide and other ingredients.

Each 7.5 mg SALAGEN® Tablet for oral administration contains 7.5 mg of pilocarpine hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients in the tablet, the tablet's film coating, and polishing are: carnauba wax, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue#2 aluminum lake, and other ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of pilocarpine (Salagen)?

Stop taking pilocarpine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
difficulty breathing;
irregular heartbeats;
eye pain; or
confusion or changes in mental status or behavior.

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take pilocarpine and talk to your doctor if you...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Salagen »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/16/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.