title: Pilocarpine for the treatment of xerostomia associated with salivary gland dysfunction.
abstract: A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of orally administered pilocarpine in treating oral dryness caused by salivary gland hypofunction. At low dosages, pilocarpine increased the production of saliva by parotid and submandibular and/or sublingual glands and relieved the sensation of oral dryness. The quantity and composition of pilocarpine-stimulated secretions were similar to saliva produced in response to gustatory stimulation with citrate. In appropriate patients, pilocarpine is a safe, easily administered, effective therapy to relieve xerostomia by increasing natural salivary function.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D012463:Saliva / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D010862:Pilocarpine