Effect of transdermal scopolamine on salivation

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Salivary Gland Physiology

Background:

• Transdermal scopolamine is used to prevent motion sickness.
• Its effects on salivary function are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of transdermal scopolamine on salivary flow rate and composition.
• To analyze the relationship between baseline salivary flow and drug-induced changes.

Main Methods:

• 21 healthy volunteers participated in the study.
• Salivary flow rate and composition (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) were measured.
• Measurements were taken during placebo and transdermal scopolamine administration.

Main Results:

• Transdermal scopolamine significantly decreased whole saliva flow rate.
• A positive correlation was observed between placebo flow rate and the magnitude of decrease.
• Magnesium concentration increased significantly; sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations were not consistently altered.
• Secretion rates for sodium, potassium, and calcium were significantly reduced, while magnesium secretion rate remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Transdermal scopolamine alters salivary composition and significantly reduces salivary flow.
• The drug's effect on flow rate may be influenced by an individual's baseline salivary production.
• These findings have implications for understanding drug-induced xerostomia.