saliva substitutes

What is the most important information I should know about saliva substitutes?

There are many brands and forms of saliva substitutes available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.

What is saliva substitutes?

Saliva substitutes are manmade forms of the mucus secretions normally produced in the human mouth. Saliva substitutes help to create artificial saliva when the body does not produce enough on its own.

Saliva substitutes are used to help relieve dryness and pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat that may be caused by certain disease conditions, medications, surgery, or chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Saliva substitutes may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using saliva substitutes?

Ask a doctor before using saliva substitutes if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I use saliva substitutes?

A saliva substitute is for use only in the mouth. Do not get it in your eyes.

Use your saliva substitute product exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Saliva substitutes work inside your mouth and are not meant to be swallowed.

To use the oral rinse or other liquid saliva substitutes, swish a small amount in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit out.

The oral powder must be mixed with about 1 ounce of water before using it. Stir the mixture and use it right away, even if you need to swish 2 or 3 times to get the full amount. Do not save the mixture for later use.

The tablet or lozenge can be held in the mouth for long periods of time, even while you are sleeping. Some tablets are pressed onto to your tooth or gums to help hold them in place.

Saliva substitute gel, paste, or swabs may be applied directly onto the gums, tongue, teeth, or sides of the mouth. Follow all instructions carefully.

How often you use a saliva substitute may depend on your condition or your medication schedule.

In most cases, saliva substitutes are used 3 to 5 times per day or whenever your mouth feels dry and uncomfortable. When used during chemotherapy or radiation, you may need to use saliva substitutes up to 10 times per day beginning on or before the day of your treatment. Follow all dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not allow a child to use this medicine without adult supervision.

Saliva substitutes may be only part of a complete treatment program that includes using other oral hygiene methods. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since saliva substitutes are used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking saliva substitutes?

You may need to avoid eating or drinking anything for about 15 minutes after using saliva substitutes. Follow all directions on the label of the product you are using.

What are the possible side effects of saliva substitutes?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect saliva substitutes?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on saliva substitutes used in the mouth and not swallowed. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about saliva substitutes.