Sialadenosis in bulimia. A new treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To see whether a cholinomimetic medication would help resolve the parotid gland enlargement associated with self-induced vomiting in bulimic patients.

SETTING/DESIGN: The medication was administered on an inpatient eating disorder unit to bulimic patients with refractory sialadenosis.

INTERVENTION

Pilocarpine hydrochloride drops were administered orally at a dosage of 1.25 to 5.0 mg/d until the parotid gland enlargement was significantly reduced.

RESULTS

There was a marked diminution in the size of the parotid gland enlargement.

CONCLUSION

Pilocarpine has proved to be beneficial in the treatment of sialadenosis in bulimic patients.