This review of the efficacy of topical sialogogue spray containing malic acid 1% for treating xerostomia included 5 RCTs involving 244 patients. While the findings suggested a benefit the available studies are small, of short duration and none are at low risk of bias.
[read the full story...]
36 studies were included in this review of treatment options for xerostomia, hyposalivation and quality of life in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome provinding evidence to support pilocarpine use. However the number of studies were limited and adverse effects were common.
[read the full story...]
This Cochrane review of drugs for the prevention of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction included 39 studies, while a range of agents was tested the evidence found is not sufficient to highlight much promise in terms of effective preventative treatments.
[read the full story...]
The update of a 2007 Cochrane review of parasympathomimetic drugs for dry mouth after radiotherapy did not identify an new studies. The 3 RCTs identified in the previous version provide limited evidence to support the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride in the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia.
[read the full story...]
Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of dry mouth, this is a common symptom particularly in older adults and has a variety of causes. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that non-selectively binds to muscarinic receptors in smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal, urinary and pulmonary systems and stimulates the production of secretions from the salivary and sweat [read the full story…]
