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Understanding the White Pill with 1313 on It: Pilocarpine for Dry Mouth

3 min read

The white, round pill with the imprint "LAN 1313" is identified as Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 5 mg, a prescription-only medication. It is primarily used to increase saliva production to treat dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia, which affects millions of people.

Quick Summary

A white round pill with 'LAN 1313' is Pilocarpine 5 mg, a prescription drug from Lannett. It is a cholinergic agonist used to treat dry mouth from conditions like Sjögren's syndrome or head and neck radiation therapy by stimulating saliva production.

Key Points

  • Identification: The white, round pill with “LAN 1313” is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 5 mg, used for dry mouth.

  • Primary Use: It treats xerostomia (dry mouth) caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer or by Sjögren's syndrome.

  • Mechanism: As a cholinergic agonist, it stimulates nerves to increase saliva production.

  • Common Side Effects: The most frequent side effects include sweating, nausea, flushing, and dizziness.

  • Contraindications: Pilocarpine is not suitable for individuals with uncontrolled asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, or acute iritis.

  • Prescription Only: It is a prescription-only medication and not a controlled substance.

  • Safe Handling: Do not crush or chew the tablets. Drink plenty of fluids to counteract excessive sweating.

In This Article

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The medication LAN 1313, which is Pilocarpine Hydrochloride 5 mg, is used to treat dry mouth (xerostomia). It can be prescribed for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome or for those experiencing dry mouth as a result of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer.

No, the white pill with the imprint "LAN 1313" (Pilocarpine Hydrochloride) is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription medication, but it does not have a potential for abuse or dependence like controlled drugs.

Common side effects include increased sweating, nausea, chills, flushing, a runny nose, frequent urination, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and headaches. Patients are often advised to drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration from increased sweating.

The LAN 1313 pill is manufactured by Lannett Company, Inc.

Some patients may notice an increase in saliva flow within 20 minutes of taking a dose, but it can take several weeks of consistent use to achieve the full therapeutic effect.

If you find a pill that does not belong to you, do not take it. It is recommended to contact a pharmacist or a poison control center for guidance on proper disposal. Mixing up medications can have serious health consequences.

You should not take pilocarpine if you have uncontrolled asthma. It is contraindicated in patients with this condition, as it can increase airway resistance and bronchial secretions.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.