Pharmacology · single question

Which of the following medications stimulates salivation rather than causing xerostomia?

  1. Scopolamine
  2. Pilocarpine
  3. Amitriptyline
  4. Hydrochlorothiazide
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Correct answer: B. Pilocarpine

Pilocarpine is a parasympathomimetic (muscarinic agonist) that stimulates M3 receptors on salivary gland acinar cells, increasing salivary secretion. It is used clinically to treat xerostomia in patients with Sjogren syndrome and radiation-induced salivary gland damage. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic that reduces secretions (used to prevent motion sickness). Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with strong anticholinergic properties that causes significant xerostomia. Hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) decreases body fluids and can reduce salivary flow.

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