What is Salagen: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Salagen overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Salagen, Salagen

Generic Names:

  • Pilocarpine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats dry mouth caused by radiation treatment or Sjogren syndrome.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Dental Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Salagen used for?

What form(s) does Salagen come in

  • Tablet

What are common Salagen doses?

  • Tablet 5MG

  • Tablet 7.5MG

Common Salagen prescriptions

  • Salagen
    5mg tablet

  • Salagen
    7.5mg tablet

How to take Salagen

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Salagen

Salagen contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to pilocarpine, or if you have glaucoma or iritis.

Salagen warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a gallbladder disorder, heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems, lung disease (such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD), or psychiatric problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Dehydration

  • This medicine may cause blurred vision or trouble seeing at night. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Salagen interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are also using a beta-blocker medicine (blood pressure or heart medicine).

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Dehydration

  • This medicine may cause blurred vision or trouble seeing at night. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Salagen side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

  • Headache, vision changes, sweating, trouble breathing, dizziness, confusion, shaking

  • Sweating, warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Watery eyes or mouth, runny nose

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sweating, warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Blurred vision, poor night vision

  • Chills

  • Watery eyes or mouth, runny nose

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea