Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthalmia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthalmia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthaimia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric complex composition comprising a reaction complex formed by the interaction of a polycarbophil component with alginic acid or a salt thereof, said interaction being performed in the presence of a divalent cation and in the presence of an active agent selected from the group consisting of medicinal agents and cosmetic agents. There is also described a method of controlled release treatment comprising the steps of providing such a polymeric complex and an effective amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of medicinal agents and cosmetic agents contained within said complex, and contacting an area of skin or mucous membrane to be treated with said composition for a sufficient period of time allow a therapeutically effective amount of said active agent to be released from the complex.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions comprising calcium polycarbophil and an active agent selected from the group consisting of medicinal agents, breath fresheners, and flavors, and a method of controlled release of such an active agent.