A new medication for treatment of dry mouth in Sjögren's syndrome.

Traditionally, treatment of dry mouth in SS is focused on palliative measures (using salivary substitutes). However, due to the dynamic nature of the oral cavity, the salivary substitute is removed from the mouth during swallowing. Therefore, the duration of effect of salivary substitutes is short. Another drawback is that salivary substitutes do not provide the protective roles of saliva. Effective treatment of dry mouth requires increasing salivary output. Gustatory stimulation of the salivary glands with sugar free gum and sugar free candies may be effective in inducing salivary output, however, they impose significant inconvenience on the patient which can compromise compliance. Pharmacological stimulants provide an alternative effective measure and improve compliance. Both Salagen and Evoxac are FDA approved salivary stimulants. They are effective, and safe given awareness of their indications, contraindications, potential adverse effects, and patient's tolerance.