Iposcialia: considerazioni eziopatogenetiche e meccanismi farmaco indotti.

Objectives. To review the current hypotheses on the pathogenesis and pharmacodynamic mechanisms involved in hyposalivation induced by different classes of drugs. Materials and methods. The authors analyze the basic anatomical and functional aspects of drug-induced hyposalivation. Particular emphasis is placed on the classification of xerogenic drugs that are commonly used for the therapy of high-prevalence diseases. Results. At the dosages normally recommended, most xerogenic drugs are not harmful to the salivary glands. Care should be taken to avoid combining drugs with anticholinergic effects, which can cause hyposalivation in patients who do not experience this effect when treated with a single anticholinergic drug. Conclusions. In most cases, drug-induced xerostomia can be reversed by discontinuing/replacing the drug responsible for the symptoms. When this is done, the symptom should gradual regress.