A clinical study on the effect of dry mouth for patients with Sjögren's syndrome - Administration was changed from Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate to pilocarpine hydrochloride

Until recently, Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate was widely used for dry mouth of patients with Sjögren's syndrome. However, its side effects on the digestive organs may cause patients to reach to loss in quantity of dosage and to discontinue usage. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness and safety of Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate and Pilocarpine hydrochloride. Subjects: Nine patients (females, aged 46 to 81 years, average age 63.9) diagnosed as Sjögren's syndrome and receiving the medication of Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate for 2 months or more, were enrolled in this study. Evaluation method: Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate was modified to Pilocarpine hydrochloride, and stimulated saliva flow values, subjective symptoms, drug tolerance, and side effects were compared. In addition, the quantity of drug administered was adjusted by taking into consideration the number of times by the tolerability. Result: Before the treatment, at the time of Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate dosage and at the time of Pilocarpine hydrochloride dosage, the stimulated saliva flow values were 4.56 ± 1.81 ml/10 min, 6.07 ± 2.82 mI/10 min and 6.54 ± 2.56 ml/10 min, respectively. As for side effects. Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate caused various digestive organ conditions, and loss in quantity of dosage was recognized in 3 patients. On the other hand. Pilocarpine hydrochloride showed few side effects, and no patients discontinued the dosage, and no loss in quantity of dosage was observed. Pilocarpine hydrochloride strongly improved subjective and objective symptoms in comparison with Cevimeline hydrochloride hydrate.