The vast majority of medications do
not damage the salivary glands, but the
likelihood of decreased salivary flow rates increases in
the presence of numerous diseases and medications.
Although patients receiving multiple xerostomic
medications tend to have more severe dry-mouth
symptoms, the effects of xerostomic medications
on patients can be highly variable.Some medications,
such as those prescribed for overactive bladder disease,
irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson disease, are
used specifically for their anticholinergic properties.
These medications directly inhibit salivary flow and
often are associated with dry-mouth symptoms.