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A comparison of artificial saliva and pilocarpine in radiation induced xerostomia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. N. Davies  and
J. Singer
A. N. Davies*
Affiliation:
South East London Radiotherapy Department, St Thomas' Hospital, London
J. Singer
Affiliation:
South East London Radiotherapy Department, St Thomas' Hospital, London
*
Dr A.N.Davies, GP Trainee, Cranleigh Health Centre, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8AE.
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Abstract

Twenty patients with radiation-induced xerostomia were entered into a prospective randomized crossover study comparing a mucin-based artificial saliva (Saliva Orthana) and a mouthwash containing pilocarpine 5 mg three times a day. Overall the patients found that the pilocarpine mouthwash was more effective than the artificial saliva in relieving their symptoms (p = 0.04), and 47 per cent of the patients wanted to continue with this treatment after the study had finished.

Keywords

XerostomiaRadiotherapyPilocarpineSaliva, artificial
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 108 , Issue 8 , August 1994 , pp. 663 - 665
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1994

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