The efficacy of a topical sialogogue spray containing 1% malic acid in patients with antidepressant-induced dry mouth: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Background One of the most important antidepressants side effects is dry mouth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a topical sialogogue spray containing 1% malic acid on patients affected by dry mouth caused by antidepressants drug. Materials and methods This research took the form of a double-blind, randomized clinical trial at Faculty of Dentistry of University of Granada (Spain). Seventy participants with antidepressant-induced dry mouth were divided into two groups: for the first "intervention group" (35 subjects) a topical sialogogue spray (1% malic acid) was applied, while for the second "control group" (35 subjects), a placebo spray was applied; for both groups, the sprays were applied on demand during 2 weeks. The Dry Mouth Questionnaire (DMQ) was used to evaluate dry mouth symptoms before and after product/placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows rates, before and after application, were measured. Results Dry mouth symptoms improved after 1% malic acid topical spray application (p <.05). After 2 weeks of 1% malic acid application, unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows rates increased significantly (p <.05). Conclusions A sialogogue spray containing 1% malic acid improved dry mouth feeling of the patients suffering antidepressant-induced dry mouth and increased unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows rates.