Managing Drooling

A flavored oral formulation of glycopyrrolate is now FDA approved for severe drooling in children.

Chronic drooling in children and youth with neurological disorders can be a disabling symptom that affects swallowing and hygiene. It is often seen in patients with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular and developmental conditions that adversely affect oropharyngeal muscle coordination and the elimination of oral secretions through effective swallowing.

Glycopyrrolate reduces drooling by lowering the volume of saliva produced and has been used in tablet form to treat peptic ulcers and reduce salivation in patients under anesthesia. Now, a flavored oral formulation (Cuvposa) suitable for children is available and was recently approved by the FDA for chronic severe drooling caused by neurological disorders in children aged 3 to 16 years. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 78% of children who received glycopyrrolate achieved clinical improvement in drooling versus 19% of those given a placebo. Mild adverse effects associated with glycopyrrolate include dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, flushing, and nasal congestion.

Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Citation(s):

FDA approves drug for chronic drooling in children [press release]. Silver Spring, MD: Food and Drug Administration; Jul 28, 2010. (http://viajwat.ch/9VGByb)