Which Tablet Is Good For Saliva Secretion? A Guide to Prescription Medications

October 9, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, as many as 25% of older people experience dry mouth, or xerostomia, which can be effectively managed with prescription tablets to increase saliva secretion. These medications work by stimulating your salivary glands to produce more saliva, alleviating discomfort and protecting your oral health.

Quick Summary

Chronic dry mouth can be treated with specific prescription tablets designed to stimulate saliva production. The primary options are pilocarpine and cevimeline, both of which are cholinergic agonists. The choice depends on the underlying cause of dry mouth and patient tolerance, which is best determined through a medical consultation.

Key Points

Prescription options: Pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) are primary prescription tablets for increasing saliva secretion.
Stimulates salivary glands: These are cholinergic agonists that stimulate salivary glands.
Condition-specific approvals: Pilocarpine is approved for Sjögren's syndrome and radiation-induced dry mouth, while cevimeline is for Sjögren's syndrome.
Side effects: Both can cause side effects like sweating; cevimeline might be better tolerated.
OTC alternatives: OTC saliva substitutes and sugar-free products with xylitol offer relief.
Medical consultation is key: See a doctor to diagnose the cause and determine appropriate medication.

Understanding the Need for Saliva Stimulation

Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health, aiding digestion, and facilitating speech. When the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva, a condition known as xerostomia, it can lead to significant discomfort and a host of dental problems, including increased plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Common causes of low saliva production include certain medications, autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, radiation therapy, and aging. Addressing the underlying cause is often the initial step.

The Primary Prescription Tablets for Saliva Secretion

Two main prescription tablets are used to treat dry mouth by acting as cholinergic agonists. This action helps to significantly increase salivary flow.

Pilocarpine (Salagen)

Pilocarpine is a common treatment for dry mouth. It is approved for dry mouth caused by Sjögren's syndrome and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It stimulates muscarinic receptors on salivary gland cells. Side effects may include sweating, nausea, and increased urination.

Cevimeline (Evoxac)

Cevimeline is another cholinergic agonist. It is approved for dry mouth associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Cevimeline also activates muscarinic receptors. Side effects are comparable to pilocarpine, with excessive sweating, nausea, and a runny nose being common.

Comparison of Pilocarpine and Cevimeline

Both medications increase saliva production but differ in approved indications and potential side effects. More details on their comparison can be found on {Link: Dr.Oracle AI https://www.droracle.ai/articles/81668/drugs-that-increase-spit-production}.

Other Dry Mouth Management Options

For less severe dry mouth or for use with prescription medication, other strategies can help. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes like sprays, gels, and lozenges moisturize the mouth. Brands include Biotene and XyliMelts. Lifestyle adjustments like chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol and staying hydrated are important. Using a humidifier can help nighttime dry mouth. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can reduce symptoms.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Persistent dry mouth should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist as it can indicate conditions like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome. They can also review medications you are taking that might cause dry mouth. Prescription options like pilocarpine and cevimeline should be discussed with a medical professional.

Conclusion

For chronic dry mouth due to specific conditions, prescription tablets such as pilocarpine and cevimeline can be effective in restoring saliva production by stimulating the salivary glands. These require medical evaluation to determine suitability and manage side effects. Combining prescription treatment with lifestyle changes and OTC products can provide comprehensive relief. A healthcare provider is essential for a personalized treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary medications for stimulating saliva secretion are the prescription tablets pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac), which are both cholinergic agonists that stimulate the salivary glands.

Both are prescription drugs for dry mouth, but pilocarpine is approved for dry mouth from Sjögren's syndrome and radiation, while cevimeline is specifically for Sjögren's syndrome. Some studies suggest cevimeline may have a better side effect profile than pilocarpine.

No, pilocarpine and cevimeline are prescription-only medications. However, over-the-counter products like saliva substitute gels, sprays, and lozenges (containing xylitol) can be used to manage symptoms.

Pilocarpine can take about 20 minutes to start showing effects, with maximum benefits potentially taking several weeks.

The most common side effects for both pilocarpine and cevimeline are related to their action on exocrine glands and include excessive sweating, nausea, and increased urination.

A variety of factors can cause dry mouth, including side effects from medications, autoimmune disorders like Sjögren's syndrome, radiation or chemotherapy, aging, nerve damage, and habits like tobacco or alcohol use.

You should see a doctor if your dry mouth is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, since it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.