saliva substitutes


saliva substitutes

(sa-lye-vasub -sti-toots) salivasubstitutes,

Entertainers' Secret

(trade name),

Moi-Stir

(trade name),

Mouthkote

(trade name),

Optimoist

(trade name),

Salivart

(trade name),

Salix

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: saliva substitutes
Pregnancy Category: UK

Indications

Management of dry mouth or throat, which may occur as a consequence of:
  • Medications (tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, anticholinergics),
  • Radiation therapy,
  • Chemotherapy,
  • Sjogren's syndrome,
  • Other illnesses,
  • Emotional factors.

Action

Composition is similar to that of saliva.Contains electrolytes in a thickening agent (carboxymethylcellulose).

Therapeutic effects

Relief of dry mouth.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal with local administration; electrolytes may be minimally absorbed through oral mucosa or with swallowing.Distribution: Action is primarily local.Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile (relief of dry mouth)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POapplicationunknownunknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to carboxymethylcellulose, parabens, or other components.Use Cautiously in: Situations in which absorption of electrolytes may compromise the patient’s condition, such as potassium and magnesium in patients with renal failure or sodium in patients with HF or hypertension.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Fluid and Electrolyte

  • excessive absorption of electrolytes

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

None significant.

Route/Dosage

Oral (Adults) Spray or apply to oral mucosa as needed.

Availability (generic available)

SolutionMoi-Stir—mint flavor; Mouthkote—citrus flavor: in squirt bottle, pump spray, spray canOTCSwabs: Packets of 3OTCLozenges: Packages of 100OTC

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess patient for xerostomia (dry mouth) or dry throat before and periodically throughout therapy.
  • Assess gingiva and oral mucosa for stomatitis.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Impairedoral mucous membrane (Indications)

Implementation

  • Administer as necessary for xerostomia or dry throat.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to swish saliva substitute around in mouth after spray or application.
  • Advise patient of the importance of good oral hygiene in addition to the use of saliva substitutes.
  • Emphasize the importance of routine dental examinations throughout course of therapy.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decrease in dry mouth and throat.