A 70-year-old woman with Sjogren syndrome and severe dry mouth is prescribed a muscarinic agonist. Which agent is specifically indicated for this condition and acts selectively on M3 receptors in salivary glands?
- A Pilocarpine
- B Bethanechol
- C Cevimeline ✓
- D Carbachol
Correct answer: C. Cevimeline
Explanation
Cevimeline is a muscarinic agonist with relative selectivity for M3 and M1 receptors. It is FDA-approved specifically for xerostomia in Sjogren syndrome. While pilocarpine is also used for dry mouth, cevimeline was designed with greater M3 selectivity for exocrine glands. Bethanechol is mainly for bladder and gut; carbachol is used for glaucoma.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.