Pilocarpine

Definition

Pilocarpine is a medicine used to treat xerostomia, or dryness of the mouth, caused by a decrease in saliva production following radiation or due to Sjögren's syndrome, a disorder of the immune system that is characterized by the failure of the exocrine glands. Pilocarpine is also known as pilocarpine hydrochloride or Salagen.

Purpose

Pilocarpine is used to treat side effects arising from radiation treatment for head and neck cancers. It alleviates dryness of the mouth and throat and aids in chewing, tasting, and swallowing.