Sjogren Dry Mouth Treatment — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyConnective Tissue DiseaseSjogren Dry Mouth TreatmentSCE Rheumatology

A 55-year-old woman with Sjogren syndrome complains of severe dry mouth despite topical treatments. Which systemic medication stimulates residual salivary gland function?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Pilocarpine (muscarinic agonist)

Pilocarpine is a parasympathomimetic muscarinic agonist that stimulates residual functioning salivary gland tissue to increase saliva production. BSR 2024 Sjogren guidelines recommend Pilocarpine (5 mg TDS) for patients with symptomatic xerostomia who have residual gland function. Common side effects include sweating flushing and urinary frequency. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled asthma narrow-angle glaucoma and acute iritis. Cevimeline is an alternative muscarinic agonist. These agents work by stimulating remaining functional gland tissue and are ineffective if glands are completely destroyed.

Reference: BSR 2024 Sjogren guidelines; BNF Pilocarpine monograph