Novel topical treatment for dysgeusia/ageusia: a case series report

Management of dysgeusia has received limited study despite the significant impact taste has upon general health, nutrition, and quality of life. Taste sensation is initiated at the receptor level, leading to signal transduction and transmission to central taste centers. We assessed the potential of a topical approach to dysgeusia management.

We report retrospective results of topical application of memantine, gabapentin, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) in a group of 13 patients diagnosed with dysgeusia. Compounded lozenges containing gabapentin 10 mg, memantine 2 mg, and MSG 20 mg in a base of pectin and flavoring were dissolved in the mouth three times daily. Patient-reported changes in gustation were collected. No adverse events were reported.

Eleven patients (85%) reported improved taste that suggests efficacy of the lozenge in improving taste function with local topical application in people that had persisting taste loss despite prior treatment trials.

These findings support the potential of topical intervention for taste management that may have implications in preventive management and intervention for patients with dysgeusia/ageusia.