Evaluation of radioprotective effect of pilocarpine ingestion on salivary glands.

There is controversy concerning the effect of pilocarpine in the reversal of radio-induced xerostomia; however, the tests are usually performed at the end of radiotherapy. The present study evaluated the radioprotective effects of pilocarpine when ingested during radiation treatment. Eleven patients (recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer who were not undergoing radiotherapy) were divided into two groups: the control group (saline solution intake n=6) and the pilocarpine-treated (5 mg pilocarpine three times daily, n=5) group, in a prospective and double-blinded study.