ICPD: Sublingual Atropine Reduces Excess Saliva in Parkinson's DiseaseBy Richard Robinson Special to DG News
HELSINKI, FINLAND -- August 1, 2001 -- Several drops of 1% atropine placed under the tongue effectively reduces excess saliva production in Parkinson's disease, says Mandar Jog, MD, of the London Health Sciences Center, London Canada.
Dr. Jog reported results from a small trial at the 14th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease, Helsinki on July 31.
"Sialorrhea is very common in Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Jog. It can lead to aspiration and social embarrassment. Oral anticholinergics may have intolerable side effects, especially in more advanced patients. To avoid systemic side effects, Dr. Jog used a 1% ophthalmic solution of atropine, one drop of which is instilled under the tongue on a spoon.
In this study, seven patients took atropine twice daily for one week. Treatment caused a significant reduction in both saliva production and drooling, with no change in scores on two different tests of mental state. One patient withdrew due to delirium, though later recommenced treatment.
"The more focussed application of the drug by sublingual administration leads to fewer side effects," Dr. Jog concluded. He noted he now has over 30 patients on sublingual atropine, with some having received treatment for over a year.
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