Take this medicine only as directed. Do not take it more often and do not take a larger dose than directed. To do so may increase the chance of side effects .

It is important that you visit your dentist regularly even though this medicine may make your dry mouth feel better. Having a dry mouth condition makes you more likely to have dental and other mouth problems.

Dosing—The dose of pilocarpine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of pilocarpine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):

  • For dryness of eyes:

    • Adults—5 milligrams (mg) three or four times a day.

  • For dryness of mouth and throat:

    • Adults—5milligrams (mg) three or four times a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children .
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

This medicine may cause difficulty in reading or other vision problems, especially at night. It may also cause some people to become dizzy or lightheaded. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to see well . If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause you to sweat more than is usual. If you do, it is important that you drink extra liquids to offset this sweating so you do not lose too much fluid and become dehydrated . Check with your doctor if you are not sure how much extra liquid to drink or if you cannot drink as much liquid as you should.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Chest pain; confusion; diarrhea (continuing or severe); fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (continuing or severe); headache (continuing or severe); nausea or vomiting (continuing or severe); shortness of breath or troubled breathing; stomach cramps or pain; tiredness or weakness (continuing or severe); trembling or shaking (continuing or severe); trouble seeing (continuing or severe)

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Chills; cough; diarrhea; feeling of warmth or heat; fever; flushing or redness of skin especially on face and neck; increased need to urinate; indigestion; joint pain; muscle aches and pains; nausea; passing urine more often; runny nose; unusual tiredness or weakness; Sweating

Less common or rare

fast heartbeat; headache; holding more body water; swelling of face, fingers, ankles, or feet; trembling or shaking; trouble swallowing; trouble seeing; unusual weak feeling; voice change; vomiting

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.