Pharmacology · single question

Which medication does NOT decrease salivation (i.e., it actually increases salivary flow)?

  1. Scopolamine
  2. Pilocarpine
  3. Physostigmine
  4. Atropine
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Correct answer: B. Pilocarpine

Pilocarpine is a muscarinic agonist (sialagogue) that increases salivary secretion, so it does not decrease salivation. The question asks for the agent that does not reduce saliva.Other options: Scopolamine and atropine are antimuscarinics that reduce salivation. Physostigmine is included as a cholinesterase inhibitor; while it can increase secretions, the classic 'does not decrease salivation' sialagogue in this set is pilocarpine.Key exam takeaway: Pilocarpine (and cevimeline) increase saliva; antimuscarinics (atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate) decrease it.

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