Aquoral Spray for Dry Mouth
- Aquoral is a prescription spray to treat chronic dry mouth. Its oil-based formulation provides relief that lasts for 4 to 6 hours.
- Clinical research shows it significantly improves chewing, swallowing, and overall quality.
- The spray is well-tolerated, with a high safety profile and a neutral taste that is preferred by patients.
- Aquoral is designed for those with dry mouth from conditions, medications, or cancer treatments who need effective, sustained symptom relief.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is more than just occasional thirst. It’s a persistent condition where the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, making everyday activities like speaking, chewing, and swallowing uncomfortable.
The symptoms can include a sticky or dry feeling in the mouth, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, and a change in the sense of taste. Without enough saliva, you are also at a higher risk for cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections.
When to Consider Prescription Treatment for Dry Mouth
You should consider prescription treatment when over-the-counter remedies like lozenges, rinses, or artificial saliva substitutes don't provide lasting relief.
Doctors may also recommend prescription options if your dry mouth is severe or caused by specific medical conditions or treatments, such as:
- Autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren's syndrome, which directly attack the salivary glands.
- Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck, which can damage saliva-producing glands.
- Chronic medication use, especially for conditions like depression, high blood pressure, and allergies, where dry mouth is a common side effect.
What is Aquoral?
Aquoral is a prescription spray designed to relieve chronic dry mouth. Instead of stimulating saliva production, it mimics saliva by forming a lipid-based film over the oral mucosa.
The active ingredient, oxidized glycerol triesters (OGT), creates a thin, protective film that coats the inside of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This film provides several key benefits that differentiate it from other treatments:
- Creates a moisture-retaining shield in the mouth
- Lubricates and restores flexibility to oral tissues
- Rapid, long-lasting relief (often only 3–4 uses per day needed)
- Neutral pH, less acidity than many alternatives
How Is Aquoral Different From Other Prescription Options?
Most other prescription treatments for dry mouth fall into two categories:
- Saliva Stimulants: Medications like pilocarpine (Salagen®) and cevimeline (Evoxac®) are taken as pills. They work systemically by stimulating the salivary glands to produce more natural saliva. They are most effective when glands are still active. Common side effects include sweating, nausea, headache, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Saliva Substitutes: These include water-based sprays, gels, rinses (e.g., Biotene, Caphosol, NeutraSal). They provide temporary lubrication and moisture, needing frequent re-application. Some require mixing, rinsing, or spitting out; may be acidic, affecting oral health.
Aquoral uses a lipid-based formula to form a long-lasting protective film in the mouth, which provides extended moisture compared to temporary hydration typical of water-based products. It does not require mixing or rinsing, is swallowed safely, and features a neutral pH that lowers the risk of oral tissue irritation.
Clinical Evidence for Aquoral
Clinical trials have specifically evaluated Aquoral's performance, particularly in patients whose dry mouth was a side effect of medication. The results demonstrated significant benefits:
- Chewing improved for 73% of patients
- Swallowing improved for 65%
- Quality of life improved for 84%
- Longer-lasting relief: 78% used it only 3–4 times per day
- Better taste: Aquoral scored 7.2 vs. 5.5 for a standard spray
- Comfort and ease of use: 87% said it was easy to use and made them feel better
- Low side effects: 94% reported no unpleasant effects
- High satisfaction: 78% wanted to continue using it
Who Might Benefit from Aquoral Spray?
Aquoral may be an effective treatment for patients with dry mouth caused by various conditions, including:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's disease
- Cancer therapy, including chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck
- Long-term medication use that reduces saliva flow
- Health conditions like diabetes that affect the mouth
- Ongoing oral irritation or inflammation
- Age or stress, which can naturally slow saliva production
How to Use Aquoral Spray
Aquoral is an easy-to-use spray. Each box contains two 10 ml canisters. You may need to prime the pump before the first use.
- Gently shake the canister.
- Spray 2 times into your mouth, 3 to 4 times daily.
- Use your tongue to spread the product over all dry areas, including your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
Important Safety Information
- Prescription Only: Aquoral requires a prescription from a doctor or dentist.
- Allergies: Do not use Aquoral if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including oxidized glycerol triesters (OGT).
- Eye Contact: This spray is for oral use only. If it gets in your eyes, rinse them with water.
- Drug Interactions: There are no known interactions between Aquoral and other medications.
- Children: Keep out of reach of children.
- Side Effects: Aquoral is generally well-tolerated. In clinical trials, 94% of patients had no adverse effects.
If you experience any unusual effects while using Aquoral, stop use and contact your healthcare provider.
Speak with Your Doctor
Dry mouth can disrupt daily life, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and sleep comfortably. Aquoral was developed to help relieve these symptoms and restore comfort.
If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dentist. They can determine if Aquoral is the right treatment for you.