Xerostomic drugs can be found in 42 drug categories and 56 subcategories [33].
(Table 1). The most common medications causing hyposalivation
are those with anticholinergic
activity, sympatomimetics and benzodiazepines. These are also
the most commonly prescribed medications in geriatric population. The risk for
xerostomia will increase the synergistic effects of xerogenic medications, multiple
medications (polypharmacy), higher dose of medication and the time of starting the
medication. This is the main reason that the prevalence of medication-induced xerostomia
is highest in the elderly.