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Comparison of the effects of pilocarpine and cevimeline on salivary flow
M A Braga1, O Tarzia, C C Bergamaschi
1São Leopoldo Dental School, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of low-dose pilocarpine and cevimeline as stimulants for salivary flow in healthy subjects.
Methods:
In this cross-over clinical trial with a 1-week washout period, 40 male volunteers were submitted to an oral dose of pilocarpine 1% (Salagen) -60 microg kg(-1) body-weight (Group 1) or Cevimeline (Evoxac) -30 mg (Group 2). Saliva samples were collected and the salivary flow rate was measured (ml min(-1)) at baseline and 20, 40, 60, 80, 140 and 200 min after administration of drugs. In addition, salivary secretion was also measured under mechanical stimulation to observe salivary gland function.
Results:
The data were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (significance level = 5%). Pilocarpine and cevimeline significantly increased salivary flow 140 min after intake. There was a significant higher secretion with cevimeline 140 and 200 min after administration. There were no differences seen among subjects in the salivary glands function by mechanical stimulation.
Conclusion:
Both drugs showed efficacy in increasing the salivary flow in healthy volunteers, but cevimeline was more effective than pilocarpine.
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