Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants or muscle relaxants can cause dry mouth. Other causes of dry mouth include cancer treatments, aging, nerve damage, tobacco and certain medical illnesses such as Sjogren's syndrome.
Pilocarpine
MedlinePlus says pilocarpine is a medication used to manage radiation-induced dry mouth. It can also treat dry mouth caused by Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition in which antibodies (proteins) attack the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that works to increase the quantity of saliva in the mouth.
Pilocarpine's side effects include nausea, dizziness, runny nose, chills, diarrhea and vomiting. Serious side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, headache, frequent urination and flushing.
Bethanochol, metoprolol, galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine and propanolol are a few medications that may interact with pilocarpine and reduce its effectiveness.
Pilocarpine is a tablet taken three times a day if radiation causes dry mouth. Take pilocarpine four times a day if Sjogren's disease causes dry mouth.
Cevimeline
According to Drugs.com, cevimeline treats dry mouth in Sjogren's disease sufferers. Like pilocarpine, it increases the amount of saliva the salivary gland secretes.
Drugs.com says cevimeline's side effects include dry eyes, blurry vision, nasal congestion, muscle pain and vaginal itching or discharge. Cevimeline can also cause constipation, poor appetite, diarrhea, chest tightness, shortness of breath, eye pain, fever, mouth sores and eye drainage.
Drugs.com indicates that cevimeline shouldn't be taken when people suffer from glaucoma (an eye condition), asthma or such eye infections as iritis or uveitis.
Cevimeline is a tablet that's typically taken three times a day.
Salivart Spray
Drugs.com says salivart is a form of artificial saliva used to relieve dry mouth. Salivart isn't expected to cause side effects. However, people may be allergic to salivart. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives and edema (swelling) of the face, tongue or lips. Drugs.com says one to two sprays a day is typically an adequate amount to relieve dry mouth.
