What condition does Cevimeline HCL treat?
Cevimeline HCL is used for the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth. It occurs due to a certain immune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome which is an autoimmune disease. It means your immune system attacks parts of your own body by mistake. This condition attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. It causes a dry mouth and dry eyes.
Cevimeline HCL belongs to the class of medications known as cholinergic agonists. This comes as a tablet for oral use. This medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How does Cevimeline HCL work?
Cevimeline HCL is a cholinergic agonist which binds to muscarinic receptors. A sufficient dosage of Muscarinic agonists can increase secretion of the exocrine glands. Those are salivary and sweat glands. It may also increase the tone of the smooth muscle tissue in the urinary tracts and gastrointestinal.
This medication is absorbed quickly for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The absorption rate is decreased when administered with food.
What is the recommended dosage for Cevimeline HCL?
This medicine is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Usually, this medicine is taken 3 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response. Take it at the same time each day. You may continue to drink water or use saliva substitutes as needed for moisture in your mouth. Use this regularly to get the most benefit from it.
You may begin to feel some benefit in 1 to 2 weeks. But, it may take up until 6 weeks to feel the full benefit. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
What are the side effects of Cevimeline HCL?
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
- Excessive salivation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Drooling
Call for medical assistance if there are signs of an allergic reaction such as:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat
What are the precautions in taking Cevimeline HCL?
- Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have allergies. This medicine may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
- Do not share this medication with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- This is used only when needed for pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding women, talk with your doctor first. Discuss the risks and benefits of this drug.
- Tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking especially St. John’s wort.
- Tell your doctor if you have acute iritis, asthma, or glaucoma. Your doctor may tell you not to take this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a heart attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, kidney stones, or heart disease.
- You should know that this medication may cause vision changes, especially when there is not enough light or at night. Use caution when driving at night or performing risky activities in reduced lighting. Perform these activities until you know how this medicine will affect you.
- Keep this in a dry and clean place.
