Comparison of the effects of pilocarpine and cevimeline on salivary flow.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of low-dose pilocarpine and cevimeline as stimulants for salivary flow in healthy subjects.


METHODS
In this cross-over clinical trial with a 1-week washout period, 40 male volunteers were submitted to an oral dose of pilocarpine 1% (Salagen) -60 microg kg(-1) body-weight (Group 1) or Cevimeline (Evoxac) -30 mg (Group 2). Saliva samples were collected and the salivary flow rate was measured (ml min(-1)) at baseline and 20, 40, 60, 80, 140 and 200 min after administration of drugs. In addition, salivary secretion was also measured under mechanical stimulation to observe salivary gland function.


RESULTS
The data were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (significance level = 5%). Pilocarpine and cevimeline significantly increased salivary flow 140 min after intake. There was a significant higher secretion with cevimeline 140 and 200 min after administration. There were no differences seen among subjects in the salivary glands function by mechanical stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Both drugs showed efficacy in increasing the salivary flow in healthy volunteers, but cevimeline was more effective than pilocarpine.
São Leopoldo Dental School, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
M A
MA
Braga
O
O
Tarzia
C C
CC
Bergamaschi
F A
FA
Santos
E D
ED
Andrade
F C
FC
Groppo
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011812:Quinuclidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D043643:Receptor, Muscarinic M1 / Q000187:drug effects; D043587:Receptor, Muscarinic M3 / Q000187:drug effects; D012463:Saliva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D018721:Muscarinic Agonists; D011812:Quinuclidines; D043643:Receptor, Muscarinic M1; D043587:Receptor, Muscarinic M3; D013876:Thiophenes; D010862:Pilocarpine; C059240:cevimeline