Salagen (Pilocarpine)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

Top Generic choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
5mg
Pack Size
Qty
What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Salagen (Pilocarpine) is a medication approved to help people who have dry mouth, which can occur due to conditions like Sjögren's syndrome. Classified as a cholinergic agonist, Pilocarpine mimics the action of a certain substance in the body (acetylcholine) that stimulates the secretion of saliva. It comes in tablet form and works by activating the nerves responsible for saliva production, increasing moisture in the mouth. Other approved Salagen uses include dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for cancer.

Directions

The typical Salagen dosage is started at 5 mg twice daily, which can then be increased based on the underlying condition. It's important to swallow the tablets whole, without breaking or chewing them.

For patients with head and neck cancer, the recommended dose is 5 mg taken three times a day. Doctors may adjust this based on the patient's response, usually within a range of 15 to 30 mg per day, but no single dose should exceed 10 mg. It typically takes at least 12 weeks to determine if the medicine is effective.

For patients with Sjogren's Syndrome, the recommended dosage is one tablet (5 mg) taken four times a day. Effects are usually noticeable after about 6 weeks of use.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Salagen is Pilocarpine.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

  • Uncontrolled asthma
  • Known hypersensitivity to Pilocarpine or any of the components in Salagen
  • Acute iritis or acute angle-closure glaucoma
  • When miosis, a condition characterized by constricted pupils, is undesirable

Cautions

  • Before starting treatment with Salagen, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have:
    • Any existing health conditions
    • Any allergies
    • A list of all medications you are currently taking
    • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Salagen may cause changes in heart rhythm or blood pressure, especially in patients with significant heart conditions. Pulmonary edema, a serious complication, has been reported with high doses. If you have heart disease, your doctor will closely monitor your treatment.
  • Salagen can increase airway resistance and bronchial secretions, which may worsen breathing issues in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or COPD. Use cautiously under medical supervision if you have these conditions.
  • Salagen may cause blurred vision, especially in low light or at night, and can impair depth perception. Avoid driving or operating machinery in poor lighting until you know how the medication affects you.
  • This medication can cause excessive sweating, leading to dehydration. If you sweat heavily and cannot drink enough fluids, contact your doctor promptly.
  • Salagen has been shown to affect fertility in animal studies. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The medication should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Salagen include sweating, nausea, and increased urinary frequency. Other frequently reported reactions are chills, flushing, and dizziness, especially in higher doses. Headache, abdominal pain, and asthenia (weakness) have also been observed in some patients during clinical trials. These side effects are usually related to the medication’s pharmacological effects.

Salagen may cause serious side effects such as heart rhythm changes, vision abnormalities, or severe allergic reactions. Rarely, conditions like fainting (syncope), gastrointestinal disorders, or skin reactions like dermatitis have been reported. In older adults, dizziness and urinary frequency may be more pronounced. If you experience symptoms such as severe chest pain, confusion, or significant changes in vision or urination, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

References

  1. Salagen (Pilocarpine) Product Monograph. London, UK: Advanz Pharma; 2003.
  2. Salagen (Pilocarpine) Drug Label Information. Bannockburn, IL: Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.; 2023.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

product-reviews Product Reviews