How Do Salivary Stimulants Work?

Salivary stimulants refer to a class of drugs used for treating dry mouth (xerostomia). Generally, the muscarinic receptors (M3) on the salivary gland are stimulated to produce saliva. The parasympathetic part of the nervous system releases neurotransmitter acetylcholine that acts upon the M3 receptors to stimulate saliva production. Salivary stimulants may either enhance the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system or directly bind to the M3 receptors to stimulate saliva production.

Salivary stimulants are taken orally and used to treat xerostomia caused by:

• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Tuberculosis
• Kidney dialysis
• Dehydration
• Anorexia
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Bulimia (psychological eating disorder)
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Salivary duct obstruction
• Structural problem with the salivary duct

Side effects of salivary stimulants include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Hot flashes
• Abdominal pain
• Sialorrhea (excessive salivation)
• Weakness
• Coughing
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Diarrhea
• Bladder tightness
• Irregular heart rate
• Confusion
• Chills

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of salivary stimulants include:

• Cevimeline
• Evoxac
• Pilocarpine
• Pilocarpine PO
• Salagen