Pharmacology · single question
Which of the following treatments used for Sjögren's syndrome is ALSO used for systemic lupus erythematosus?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Methotrexate
Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used in both Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pilocarpine and cevimeline are muscarinic agonists used only for xerostomia in Sjögren's. Xylitol gum helps prevent caries but is not a treatment for either systemic disease.
- A. INCORRECT. Pilocarpine (Salagen) is a muscarinic agonist used specifically for xerostomia in Sjögren's syndrome. It is not used for SLE.
- B. INCORRECT. Cevimeline (Evoxac) is a muscarinic agonist similar to pilocarpine, used for dry mouth in Sjögren's syndrome only — not for SLE.
- C. CORRECT. Methotrexate is a DMARD that inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. It is used to manage inflammatory features of both Sjögren's syndrome and SLE.
- D. INCORRECT. Xylitol gum helps reduce caries risk in patients with xerostomia but is not a systemic treatment for Sjögren's or SLE.