Low-dose Pilocarpine Spray to Treat Xerostomia

Int J Pharm Compd. 2020 Mar-Apr;24(2):104-108.

Abstract

Although pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets are currently indicated for the treatment of xerostomia, their adverse effects are frequently reported. The development of a new, low-dose pilocarpine solution for topical oral-cavity use is needed. This article discusses a few clinical trials to formulate a topical low-dose solution of pilocarpine hydrochloride for the treatment of xerostomia and presents two low dose, stable formulations of pilocarpine topical spray that can improve the patient's quality of life with minimal adverse effects.

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Muscarinic Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Muscarinic Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Pilocarpine / administration & dosage
  • Pilocarpine / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Xerostomia* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Muscarinic Agonists
  • Pilocarpine