Cevimeline

Cevimeline.svg

Cevimeline is a medication used to treat dry mouth (xerostomia) in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. It is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the muscarinic receptors in the salivary glands to increase the production of saliva.

Medical Uses

Cevimeline is primarily prescribed for the treatment of dry mouth in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's moisture-producing glands. By stimulating the muscarinic receptors, cevimeline helps alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth, improving the patient's ability to speak, swallow, and maintain oral health.

Mechanism of Action

Cevimeline works by binding to and activating the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1 and M3) in the salivary glands. This activation leads to an increase in the secretion of saliva, which helps to relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. The drug mimics the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that naturally stimulates these receptors.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cevimeline include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Flushing

Less common but more serious side effects can include:

• Visual disturbances
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath

Patients are advised to report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.

Contraindications

Cevimeline is contraindicated in patients with:

• Uncontrolled asthma
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Acute iritis
• Known hypersensitivity to cevimeline or any of its components

Dosage and Administration

Cevimeline is typically administered orally in the form of capsules. The usual recommended dose is 30 mg taken three times a day. The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance to the medication.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, cevimeline is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1.5 to 2 hours. It is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted in the urine. The half-life of cevimeline is approximately 5 hours.

History

Cevimeline was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of dry mouth in patients with Sjögren's syndrome in 2000. It has since become a valuable option for managing the symptoms of this chronic condition.

See Also

• Sjögren's syndrome
• Xerostomia
• Muscarinic receptor
• Cholinergic agonist