Symptomatic treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.
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For head and neck cancer patients with symptomatic xerostomia following radiation therapy using conventional fractionation schedules, pilocarpine at 5 mg three times per day is recommended.
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Patients must have evidence of preexisting salivary function and no medical contraindications to pilocarpine therapy.
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The ideal duration of treatment with pilocarpine is undefined.
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The decision to extend treatment beyond three months can be based only on clinical judgment and not on evidence.
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It is reasonable to use pilocarpine for patients with symptomatic xerostomia following hyperfractionated or accelerated fractionation radiotherapy.
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