The use of drugs for the treatment of xerostomia – brief review

Abstract

Inadequate production of saliva causes an oral imbalance that has a great impact on the individual's quality of life. Diseases of various types are responsible for impaired production of saliva and dry mouth, as happens in xerostomia. It is usually associated with hypofunction of the salivary glands, which shows signs of dryness on oral mucosa, and other morphological features in the oral cavity. Saliva is composed of water and 1% of electrolytes and immunoglobulins, enzymes and other proteins. Its fluid component, which contains ions, is mainly produced by parasympathetic stimulation, while the protein component, produced in the acinar secretory vesicles, is released by sympathetic stimulation. The use of certain drugs is a major cause of xerostomia. Among these we found analgesics, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, diuretics and antidepressants. The treatment is mainly done by saliva substitutes such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, monopotassium phosphate and dipotassium phosphate. However, in some cases, stimulants, such as citric acid and sodium citrate, or even topical salivary substitutes can be effective. Furthermore, the use of specific oral care products is well accepted by the patients. The treatment is selected according to the ability of the glands to produce saliva. It is still not fully known what mechanism of action drugs that cause hyposalivation, dry mouth or changes in saliva composition use. Yet, it is important to know the side effects of prescribed drugs.

Regeneration of Salivary Gland Defects of Diabetic Wistar Rats Post Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Intraglandular Transplantation on Acinar Cell Vacuolization and Interleukin-10 Serum Level

“…Nowadays, salivary gland defects are treated by performing salivary stimulation either through oral receptors using ascorbic acid, stimulation of mastication by chewing gum, and by pharmacological stimulation using pilocarpine. However, all of these therapies cause various complications and are only temporary relief; therefore, long-term definitive therapy is still needed [5][6][7].…”

Fatores Associados À Xerostomia Entre Pacientes Com Deficiências De Desenvolvimento

“…Entre estes medicamentos encontram-se os analgésicos, anti-hipertensivos, diuréticos, antidepressivos e anticonvulsivantes(CESAR et al, 2016). De acordo com o Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America(2000) existem no mercado mais de 400 medicamentos que causam xerostomia ou ajudam a piorar um quadro já existente, sendo o uso de medicamentos a causa mais comum de xerostomia.…”