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Antisialagogue Premedication — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardPain & Anxiety ControlAntisialagogue PremedicationNDEB AFK

Which anticholinergic drug is sometimes used preoperatively in dental sedation to reduce salivary secretions?

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

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Correct answer: AAtropine or glycopyrrolate

Atropine (0.4-0.6 mg IV/IM) or glycopyrrolate (0.2-0.4 mg IV/IM) are anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) drugs that reduce salivary and bronchial secretions by blocking muscarinic receptors on salivary glands. They may be used as pre-medication before dental sedation or general anaesthesia to improve visualisation and reduce aspiration risk. Glycopyrrolate is preferred because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier (fewer CNS side effects) and has a more potent antisialagogue effect with less tachycardia than atropine.

Reference: Malamed – Sedation: A Guide to Patient Management, 6th ed., 2018