The use of transdermal scopolamine to control drooling. A case report

P. Dreyfuss, D. Vogel, N. Walsh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drooling is a serious social handicap experienced by some neurologically impaired patients. No one method has been identified to control drooling for all patients, however, anticholinergic drugs recently have been utilized. In the case study described, transdermal scopolamine patches were found to be effective for controlling drooling in a traumatic brain-injured patient for whom more conservative methods failed. From a baseline saliva flow rate, saliva flow decreased an average of 30% with one-patch and 59% with two-patch dosing. No significant side effects were observed with treatment, and the decrease in drooling was maintained for a 4-month period. Although transdermal scopolamine may represent one acceptable facet of long-term treatment, it must be stressed that efficacy is variable across patient populations and that treatment approaches must be individualized.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)220-222
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume70
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991

Keywords

  • Drooling
  • Pharmacology
  • Salivation
  • Transdermal Scopolamine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The use of transdermal scopolamine to control drooling. A case report'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this