artificial saliva

Artificial saliva is used as a saliva substitute to relieve the symptoms of dry mouth (xerostomia) when natural saliva production is deficient or absent due to certain conditions. Artificial saliva is also used to alleviate oral inflammation (mucositis) from chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments for cancer.

Artificial saliva is available over the counter in many forms including sprays, gels, solutions, and lozenges.

Artificial saliva is composed of proteins, electrolytes, water, and other substances that moisten and lubricate the oral cavity and provide a mucous coating on the oral mucous membrane (mucosa). Artificial saliva only provides temporary relief for dry mouth symptoms and does not treat the underlying condition. Some artificial saliva preparations contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that also stimulates saliva production.

Warnings

• Do not use artificial saliva if you have hypersensitivity to any of the components in the formulation.
• Some formulations (Numoisyn lozenge) contain fructose, avoid if you have fructose intolerance.
• Exercise caution if you are on sodium-restricted diet, some artificial saliva products may contain a significant amount of sodium. Caphosol contains 75 mg of sodium per 30 mL dose.
• Artificial saliva is likely safe for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Check with your physician before using any OTC product including artificial saliva if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common side effects of artificial saliva include:

• Taste perversion (dysgeusia)
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
• Minor gastrointestinal problems
• Speech disturbance

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oral Spray

• Oasis: Water, glycerin, sorbitol, poloxamer 338, PEG-60, hydrogenated castor oil, copovidone, sodium benzoate, carboxymethylcellulose (473 mL); ethanol free, sugar free, mild mint flavor
• Aquoral: Oxidized glycerol triesters and silicon dioxide (40 mL); contains aspartame, delivers 400 sprays, citrus flavor
• Mouth Kote: Water, xylitol, sorbitol, citric acid, yerba santa, ascorbic acid, sodium benzoate, sodium saccharin
• Mol-Stir: Water, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, propylparaben, potassium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, methylparaben

Oral Solution

• Caphosol: Dibasic sodium phosphate 0.032%, monobasic sodium phosphate 0.009%, calcium chloride 0.052%, sodium chloride 0.569%, purified water (30 mL); packaged in two 15 mL ampuls when mixed together provide one 30 mL dose
• Entertainer's secret: Aloe vera gel, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin (60 mL); ethanol free; honey-apple flavor

Lozenge

• SalivaSure: Xylitol, citric acid, apple acid, sodium citrate dihydrate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, silica colloidal, magnesium stearate, stearic acid
• Numoisyn: Sorbitol 0.3 g/lozenge; polyethylene glycol, calcium phosphate dibasic, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, citric acid, malic acid, sodium citrate

Liquid Oral

• Numoisyn: Chondrus crispus, potassium sorbate, sorbitol, water, linseed extract, sodium benzoate, dipotassium phosphate, propylparaben, methylparaben

Gel

• Biotene Oral Balance: Water, sunflower oil, starch, propylene glycol, glycerine, purified milk extract, xylitol (sugar free)

Discs Extended Release

• XyliMelts: 500 mg xylitol: Dye free, gluten free, preservative free, soy free, yeast free

Powder For Reconstitution

• NeutraSal: Chloride, silicon dioxide, bicarbonate, sodium, phosphates, calcium

Adult:

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

• Caphosol, NeutraSal: Swish and spit; 2-10 doses/day
• Oasis spray: 1-2 sprays as needed; not to exceed 60 sprays/day
• Oasis mouthwash: Rinse mouth with approximately 30 mL every 12 hours as needed; do not swallow
• Aquoral: 2 sprays orally every 6-8 hours as needed
• Entertainer's secret: Spray as needed
• Mouth Kote spray: Spray 3-5 times; swish for 8-10 seconds and spit or swallow as needed
• Biotene: Apply 0.5-inch length onto tongue and spread evenly; repeat as often as needed
• Numoisyn liquid: Use 2 mL as needed
• Numoisyn lozenges: Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly; not to exceed 16 lozenges/day
• SalivaSure: Dissolve 1 lozenge in mouth as needed; 1 lozenge/hour recommended
• XyliMelts: Apply 2 discs before bed, 1 on each side of mouth, in lower or upper part of cheek; during the day, use as needed; swallow as it slowly dissolves (the tan, dimpled side will adhere to teeth or gums); before bedtime, use 2 discs, placing one on each side of the mouth

Pediatric:

• Safety and efficacy not established

• Overdose of artificial saliva is unlikely to cause any serious symptoms and side effects should resolve with discontinuation.
• If overdose symptoms persist, contact your doctor or call Poison Control.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Artificial saliva has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Artificial saliva is likely safe for most adults.
• Artificial saliva preparations contain a number of ingredients. Check labels before you choose your product.
• Use OTC artificial saliva exactly as directed.
• Store artificial saliva safely out of reach of children.