Pilomax Tablet (10 Tab)

PILOMAX TABLET

PILOMAX TABLET is a medication manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., primarily used to alleviate symptoms of dry mouth.

• Name: Pilomax Tablet (Brand Name: Pilomax Tablet)

• Composition: Each tablet contains Pilocarpine (5 mg) as the active ingredient. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist.

• Uses:

  • Manages dry mouth (xerostomia) in patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
  • Addresses dry mouth and dry eyes associated with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. This medicine works by stimulating certain nerves and glands in the body to increase the production of saliva, tears, sweat, and other secretions, thereby reducing dryness and improving comfort, speech, and swallowing.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • For dry mouth after head and neck radiation: Typically, the starting dose is 5 mg three times a day. The dose may be gradually increased up to 10 mg three times a day, with a maximum daily dose of 30 mg.
  • For Sjögren's syndrome: The usual dosage is 5 mg four times a day.
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, without crushing or chewing.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at fixed times each day for optimal benefit.
  • Do not discontinue treatment without consulting your doctor.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Sweating, nausea, flushing (warm feeling or redness), frequent urination, runny nose, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, weakness, heartburn, stomach pain.
  • Serious: Confusion, agitation, depression, vision abnormalities (e.g., blurry vision, especially at night), chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain or vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, and allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, itching, swollen eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing or breathing).

• Precautions:

  • Contraindications: Not recommended for patients with known allergy to pilocarpine, uncontrolled asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, acute iritis, or anterior uveitis.
  • Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart conditions, lung problems (like chronic bronchitis or COPD), liver or kidney impairment, peptic ulcers, or those at risk for retinal detachment.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Children: Not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.
  • Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause blurred vision, sleepiness, or dizziness, so caution is advised.
  • May impair fertility in men and women.

• Storage:

  • Store at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C, or below 30°C.
  • Keep in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture and light.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Ensure to use the medicine before its expiry date.

What is PILOMAX TABLET used for?

PILOMAX TABLET, containing the active ingredient Pilocarpine, is primarily used to treat dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by salivary gland damage resulting from radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It also helps manage dry mouth and dry eyes in patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. This medication can improve comfort, making it easier to speak, chew, taste, and swallow.

How does PILOMAX TABLET work?

PILOMAX TABLET belongs to a class of medicines called cholinergic agonists. It works by stimulating certain nerves and glands in the body, particularly by attaching to acetylcholine receptors in your salivary and lacrimal (tear) glands. This stimulation leads to an increased production of saliva and tears, thereby alleviating dryness symptoms. It can also increase the production of sweat, gastric juices, and mucus.

What is the usual dosage for PILOMAX TABLET?

The dosage of PILOMAX TABLET (Pilocarpine 5mg) depends on the condition being treated:

• For dry mouth due to radiation therapy: The typical starting dose is 5 mg taken three times a day. Your doctor may increase this up to 10 mg three times a day, but the total daily dose should not exceed 30 mg.
• For dry mouth due to Sjögren's syndrome: The usual dose is 5 mg taken four times a day, typically with meals and at bedtime. It is important to take the tablets whole with a large glass of water to prevent dehydration, and they can be taken with or without food. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

What are the possible side effects of PILOMAX TABLET?

Common side effects include excessive sweating, chills, flushing (warmth or redness of the skin), increased urination, nausea, runny or stuffy nose, dizziness, headache, blurred vision (especially at night), watery eyes, diarrhea, indigestion, cough, joint pain, muscle aches, and tiredness or weakness.

More serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, include allergic reactions (such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat), chest pain, a rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, confusion, tremors, lightheadedness, or difficulty breathing (bronchospasm).

Is PILOMAX TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: PILOMAX TABLET (Pilocarpine) is classified as FDA pregnancy category C, meaning it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Pilocarpine may cause decreased fertility in men and women.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if Pilocarpine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best course of action.

Can PILOMAX TABLET be taken with other medications?

PILOMAX TABLET can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. Caution is advised when taken with:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, metoprolol).
• Anticholinergic medications (found in some antihistamines, and drugs for overactive bladder, Parkinson's disease, or stomach problems, including atropine).
• Certain Alzheimer's medications, such as donepezil or rivastigmine.
• Some medications that affect the nervous system or gastrointestinal passage.

What precautions should be taken while using PILOMAX TABLET?

You should not take PILOMAX TABLET if you are allergic to Pilocarpine or its ingredients, or if you have uncontrolled asthma, an inflamed iris (iritis), or narrow-angle glaucoma.

Use with caution if you have underlying heart conditions (like chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, or heart failure), other breathing problems (such as COPD), kidney stones, gallstones, liver problems, mental illness, or peptic ulcers.

Since the medication can cause increased sweating, it's crucial to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Also, be aware that it may cause blurred vision, especially at night or in low light, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Regular dental check-ups are important as dry mouth conditions can increase the risk of dental issues.

What happens if a dose of PILOMAX TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should PILOMAX TABLET be stored?

Store PILOMAX TABLET at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), in a closed container, protected from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the medication. Keep it out of the reach of children. It is also advisable to avoid storing it in the bathroom due to potential high humidity.