A patient who has esophageal cancer is experiencing dry mouth and the provider orders oral pilocarpine to treat this symptom. What will the nurse expect to teach this patient about this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dosing for pilocarpine, when used for dry mouth associated with head and neck cancers, is 5 mg 3 times daily, which may be titrated up to 10 mg 3 times daily. Tachycardia and constipation are side effects of atropine. Sweating occurs with low doses of pilocarpine. Higher doses, such as this, are associated with the full range of muscarinic effects.

A Patient Who Has Esophageal Cancer Is Experiencing Dry Mouth