Evoxac

Evoxac

Evoxac is the brand name for the drug cevimeline, which is a muscarinic agonist used primarily in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome. This medication is designed to stimulate the secretion of saliva and sweat, thereby alleviating the symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes associated with this autoimmune disorder.

Pharmacology

Cevimeline is a cholinergic agonist that binds to muscarinic receptors, particularly the M3 receptors, which are found in the exocrine glands. By activating these receptors, cevimeline increases the secretion of exocrine glands, such as the salivary and sweat glands. This action helps to relieve the symptoms of xerostomia (dry mouth) and xerophthalmia (dry eyes) in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Indications

Evoxac is primarily indicated for the treatment of dry mouth in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. It may also be used off-label for other conditions that result in dry mouth, such as radiation-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Dosage and Administration

The typical dosage of Evoxac for adults is 30 mg taken orally three times a day. The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance to the medication. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and administration.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Evoxac include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Increased urinary frequency

Less common but more serious side effects can include:

• Visual disturbances
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath

Patients should be monitored for these side effects, and any severe or persistent symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider.

Contraindications

Evoxac is contraindicated in patients with:

• Uncontrolled asthma
• Acute iritis
• Narrow-angle glaucoma

These conditions may be exacerbated by the cholinergic effects of cevimeline.

Mechanism of Action

Cevimeline works by mimicking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that binds to muscarinic receptors. By activating these receptors, cevimeline enhances the secretion of fluids from exocrine glands, thus alleviating dryness in the mouth and eyes.

Clinical Studies

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Evoxac in increasing salivary flow and improving symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. These studies have shown that patients taking Evoxac experience significant improvements in oral dryness and overall quality of life compared to placebo.

See Also

• Sjögren's syndrome
• Muscarinic receptor
• Cholinergic agonist

References

• Clinical Efficacy of Cevimeline in Sjögren's Syndrome
• FDA Information on Evoxac