[Use of hydroxy-propyl-methyl cellulose (methocel) and carboxy-methyl cellulose containing artificial saliva in the symptomatic treatment of xerostomia].

Salivary gland hypofunction is a common sequela of Sjögren's syndrome and irradiation treatment of tumors in head and neck region. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a recently developed hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC) containing artificial saliva and to compare it with that of the carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) based saliva substitute. The therapeutic effects of both preparations were assessed by means of self-administered questionnaires which had to be completed before and after the use of each type of artificial saliva after one week treatment. We found significant improvement in symptoms of nocturnal discomfort and difficulty in speech, and results were better in case of HPMC based artificial saliva. The retention time in oral cavity and the frequency of daily administration also were better in case of HPMC containing preparation. It is concluded that the use of HPMC containing artificial saliva can be recommended in the treatment of salivary hypofunction.