What is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride?
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride, a cholinergic agonist, stimulates certain nerves to increase the secretion of saliva and other bodily fluids. The white, round tablet marked with "LAN 1313" on one side contains 5 mg of pilocarpine hydrochloride and is manufactured by Lannett Company, Inc. This prescription-only medication works by mimicking acetylcholine to stimulate muscarinic receptors, leading to increased secretions from exocrine glands. Its main use is treating dry mouth symptoms.
Uses of Pilocarpine (LAN 1313)
Pilocarpine is approved for two primary uses to manage dry mouth, or xerostomia.
Dry Mouth from Radiation Therapy
It is used for patients experiencing dry mouth after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, which can damage salivary glands. Pilocarpine stimulates remaining glands to produce saliva, aiding speech, chewing, and swallowing.
Dry Mouth in Sjögren's Syndrome
Another common use is for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease affecting moisture-producing glands. While oral tablets help with saliva, pilocarpine eye drops are available for dry eyes.
Associated Symptoms
Increased saliva production from pilocarpine can help alleviate symptoms like difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing, as well as a dry sensation and increased risk of oral infections.
Potential Side Effects
As a cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine can cause side effects related to its effects on glands and muscles. The most common is increased sweating, along with potential nausea, flushing, runny nose, frequent urination, dizziness, diarrhea, and blurred vision. Severe side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. Patients should stay hydrated to counter excessive sweating.
Comparison of Oral Pilocarpine and Other Xerostomia Treatments
Feature | Oral Pilocarpine (LAN 1313) | Cevimeline (Evoxac®) | Saliva Substitutes (e.g., Biotene) | Lifestyle Changes (Gum, Hydration) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drug Class | Cholinergic agonist | Cholinergic agonist | Lubricant/Moisturizer | None (behavioral) |
Mechanism | Stimulates muscarinic receptors to increase natural saliva production. | Stimulates muscarinic receptors to increase natural saliva production. | Provides temporary, artificial moisture to the mouth. | Promotes natural salivary flow and provides palliative relief. |
Effectiveness | Significant increase in saliva flow for many patients with Sjögren's or radiation-induced dry mouth. | Similar effectiveness to pilocarpine for increasing saliva flow. | Provides temporary relief; less effective for severe salivary gland hypofunction. | Provides palliative relief and can be used in combination with other treatments. |
Side Effects | Sweating, nausea, chills, runny nose, dizziness. | Sweating, nausea, headache, diarrhea. | Minimal side effects, potential for irritation with some ingredients. | None directly related to the treatment. |
Availability | Prescription only. | Prescription only. | Over-the-counter. | Always available. |
Considerations | Not a controlled substance; requires doctor supervision. | Not a controlled substance; requires doctor supervision. | Can be used as a supplement to other treatments, useful for immediate relief. | Does not address the underlying cause of salivary gland dysfunction. |
How to Use Pilocarpine
Pilocarpine should be taken as directed by a doctor, who will determine the appropriate dose and frequency. It is typically taken orally at consistent times daily. Do not alter the dose without consulting a healthcare professional. Full benefits may take several weeks of regular use to appear.
Who Should Not Take Pilocarpine?
Individuals with uncontrolled asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, or acute iritis should not take pilocarpine. Caution is advised for those with cardiovascular disease, COPD, gallbladder disease, or a history of kidney stones. It can cause vision changes, particularly at night.
Conclusion
The white pill marked "LAN 1313" is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 5 mg, a non-controlled prescription medication used to treat dry mouth in specific cases. It stimulates saliva production but requires careful use under medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with certain conditions. Identifying this pill is crucial for effective dry mouth management.
Sources
- LAN 1313 Pill White Round 6mm - Pill Identifier - Drugs.com
- Label: PILOCARPINE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet, film coated - DailyMed
- Pill Finder: LAN 1313 White Round - Medicine.com
- Pilocarpine (oral route) - Side effects & dosage - Mayo Clinic
- Pilocarpine: MedlinePlus Drug Information - MedlinePlus
- Pilocarpine Hydrochloride | C11H17ClN2O2 - PubChem
- Pilocarpine (Salagen): Uses & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic
- Dry Mouth - MedlinePlus
- Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) - American Dental Association
- Pilocarpine (Systemic | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Pilocarpine (Salagen): Uses, Side Effects, Alternatives & More - GoodRx
- Pilocarpine: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings - RxList