Many side effects have been seen with Sanctura, and dry mouth appears to be the most common. In clinical studies, up to 20.1 percent of people taking the medicine developed a dry mouth. If you are taking Sanctura and dry mouth occurs, you can try avoiding caffeinated drinks or sipping water frequently. If needed, your healthcare provider can also recommend artificial saliva.
Does Sanctura Cause a Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is the most common side effect of
Sanctura® (
trospium chloride), a prescription medication approved for the treatment of an
overactive bladder. Sanctura is an anticholinergic medication, and like most anticholinergics, it often causes a dry mouth. In studies, up to 20.1 percent of people taking the drug reported having a dry mouth, compared to only 5.8 percent of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient).
Sanctura and Dry Mouth: Recommendations
If you are taking Sanctura and dry mouth becomes a problem, there are some things that you can do that may provide relief. Some of these suggestions include the following:
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
- Avoid alcohol because it can dry out the mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night.
- Be aware of spicy or salty foods because they may cause pain in a dry mouth.
- Sip water or sugarless drinks frequently throughout the day and during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier; it may also improve the taste of food.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and most sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
It is important to note that severe or prolonged dry mouth can cause dental problems, as saliva helps to protect the teeth from decay. You may need special dental care in such situations.
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