Pilomax 5 mg contains the active substance Pilocarpine hydrochloride, categorized under the class of drugs known as cholinergic agents. It is prescribed for treating the symptoms of Xerostomia (dry mouth) due to salivary gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Pilocarpine is also used to treat symptoms of Xerostomia (dry mouth) and Xerophthalmia (dry eyes) in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome.

Treatment with Pilomax 5 mg should start at the first signs of Xerostomia. Clinical experience indicated that administering Pilocarpine tablets improve the relief of Xerostomia/Xerophthalmia. Use of this medicine at the above-recommended dosage for 12 or more weeks may be required before relief can be expected. Onset and degree of relief may vary from person to person. Tablets may be taken before or after consuming food. Do not bite or chew the tablet. Patients with mild and moderate liver disease should start treatment at a reduced daily dosage, gradually increasing the dosage to 5 mg three to four times daily as safety and tolerability allow. No data is available for any dose of Pilocarpine in patients with severe liver disease. Therefore, Pilomax is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency. However, clinical assistance is necessary; the drug should be cautiously used. Also, caution should be observed this medicine is to be administered to patients with a kidney disorder. 

The usual dose for initial treatment is 5 mg three or four times daily. The dose may be increased to two tablets daily; not exceeding six tablets per day may be considered for patients who have not responded adequately and can tolerate the lower doses. The lowest tolerated and effective dose should be used as a maintenance dose.

Pilomax 5 mg is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled asthma and known sensitivity to Pilocarpine or any of the product’s ingredients. The safety and effectiveness of Pilomax 5 mg have not been established in children under 18 years of age. Pilocarpine is not recommended in women of childbearing potential not using contraception. Talk to your doctor before you take Pilocarpine if you have any lung problems, gallstones, kidney problems, mental problems, serious heart problems, and eye problems. If you sweat excessively during Pilocarpine, drink more fluids; if you cannot drink adequate fluids, contact your doctor, as you may suffer from dehydration and organ damage if this continues. It is important to talk to your doctor if you take medicines for diarrhoea, beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and medicines to prevent blood clotting.

Pilomax 5 mg can cause side effects like all medicines, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects of the medicine include sweating,  flu-like symptoms, headache and the need to pass urine more frequently, runny nose, weakness, chills, diarrhoea, constipation, flushing, palpitations, watery eyes, indigestion, abdominal pain, allergic reactions including itching and rash.