Technological development and evaluation on sialagogue activity of a spray-like liquid formulation of pilocarpine

Xerostomia is a common condition in patients undergoing oncological treatment. As a result of adverse effects of drugs or as an answer to radiotherapy radiation, the salivary glands of mouth stop or reduce the production and secretion of saliva. This leads to severe consequences such as caries, infections, difficulty in swallowing, and sensory loss. Thus, this work aimed to develop a new product to be used in patients suffering from xerostomia and improving salivation added to easy application to promote high acceptance rate. In this way a spray formulation of pilocarpine was developed and evaluated for its in vivo activity (in rats) on salivary stimulation. Pre-formulation, development of spray and quality control studies were performed. The formulation developed was evaluated regarding the ability to improve salivation in adult Wistar rats. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in salivation produced by spray formulation when compared with oral solution in the same concentrations. The spray formulation is an important tool developed for the treatment and support of patients suffering from xerostomia and optimization of these results should be performed.   Key words: Pharmacology, technology, mouth dryness, pilocarpine, xerostomia, oncology.