Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose
place in therapy
The role of anhydrous crystalline maltose lozenges in treatment of xerostomia, if used at all, would only be in the context of patient’s with Sjogren’s syndrome as this is the only population in which it has been studied.1,2 It may have a role in decreasing subjective symptoms of dry mouth and possibly increasing salivary flow.3 As the designs of the only two published studies are poor, it would not be a first choice agent due to low quality evidence. It does appear to be safe, with only mild side effects reported.3 Its use is limited by poor product availability and can only be obtained through extemporaneous compounding.3 It does not appear to be readily available in Canada and can possibly be compounded in the USA.
References
References
- Fox PC, Cummins MJ, Cummins JM. Use of orally administered anhydrous crystalline maltose for relief of dry mouth. J Altern Complement Med. Feb 2001; 7(1):33 -43.
- Fox PC, Cummins MJ, Cummins JM. A third study on the use of orally administered anhydrous crystalline maltose for relief of dry mouth in primary Sjögren's syndrome. J Altern Complement Med. Oct 2002; 8(5):651-9.
- Kyritsis V. Chapter 95: Dry Mouth. In Repchinsky C ed. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 910-917.