Comparative clinical study of the efficacy and safety of a S-metoprolol ER tablet versus a racemate metoprolol ER tablet in patients with chronic stable angina

Beta-Adrenergic Blockade: Is It the Prudent Choice against Sympathetic Overdrive in Patients with Hypertension or Heart Failure?

The development of hypertension and heart failure is correlated with the hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. Beta-blockers are often considered a good therapeutic option in such clinical scenarios. However, the choice of β-blocker is a concern because of certain aspects like associated metabolic disturbances with their usage. Metoprolol has been reported to have the potential to alleviate sympathetic overdrive in patients with hypertension and heart failure. S-Metoprolol is the chirally pure β-blocker with favorable pharmacological features, improved safety profile, and allied clinical advantages versus racemic metoprolol; given this, can it be an effective therapeutic option against sympathetic overdrive in patients with hypertension and/or heart failure is not fully recognized yet. In this review, we attempted to discuss the current facts around sympathetic overdrive linked with hypertension as well as heart failure and pertaining pharmacological intervention with a focus on β-blockers in these clinical situations with an emphasis on the likely beneficial role of S-metoprolol.

A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI

BACKGROUND

Medication-induced salivary gland dysfunction (MISGD), xerostomia (sensation of oral dryness), and subjective sialorrhea cause significant morbidity and impair quality of life. However, no evidence-based lists of the medications that cause these disorders exist.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to compile a list of medications affecting salivary gland function and inducing xerostomia or subjective sialorrhea.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published until June 2013. Of 3867 screened records, 269 had an acceptable degree of relevance, quality of methodology, and strength of evidence. We found 56 chemical substances with a higher level of evidence and 50 with a moderate level of evidence of causing the above-mentioned disorders. At the first level of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system, 9 of 14 anatomical groups were represented, mainly the alimentary, cardiovascular, genitourinary, nervous, and respiratory systems. Management strategies include substitution or discontinuation of medications whenever possible, oral or systemic therapy with sialogogues, administration of saliva substitutes, and use of electro-stimulating devices.

LIMITATIONS

While xerostomia was a commonly reported outcome, objectively measured salivary flow rate was rarely reported. Moreover, xerostomia was mostly assessed as an adverse effect rather than the primary outcome of medication use. This study may not include some medications that could cause xerostomia when administered in conjunction with others or for which xerostomia as an adverse reaction has not been reported in the literature or was not detected in our search.

CONCLUSIONS

We compiled a comprehensive list of medications with documented effects on salivary gland function or symptoms that may assist practitioners in assessing patients who complain of dry mouth while taking medications. The list may also prove useful in helping practitioners anticipate adverse effects and consider alternative medications.