Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Dimenhydrinate

Antihistamine (first-generation, anticholinergic) / antiemetic

Brand names: Dramamine

Oral health effects

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

    Diphenhydramine salt used for motion sickness and nausea; anticholinergic dry mouth and sedation are common, especially with repeated doses.

    Mechanism: Antagonism of muscarinic receptors on salivary glands.

    Clinical management: Encourage hydration and salivary substitutes; reinforce caries prevention.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.