Which of the following drug classes is often associated with oral dryness?

Which of the following drug classes is often associated with oral dryness?

• A. Antipsychotics
• B. Antihypertensives
• C. Bisphosphonates
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The correct answer indicates that all the listed drug classes—antipsychotics, antihypertensives, and bisphosphonates—can contribute to oral dryness, known as xerostomia. Each of these classes affects salivary function differently, leading to a reduced sense of moisture in the mouth. Antipsychotics, for example, are known to cause various anticholinergic side effects, which can include dry mouth. These medications interfere with the neurotransmitters that stimulate salivary gland secretion, resulting in decreased saliva production. Antihypertensives can also have similar side effects. Some medications in this class, especially those that are diuretics or those with anticholinergic properties, can lead to dryness as they may alter fluid balance or reduce salivary gland activity. Bisphosphonates, often used for conditions like osteoporosis, have been reported to cause oral dryness as an adverse effect as well. They are believed to affect the oral mucosa and salivary glands, contributing to the experience of dry mouth. Thus, the combined effect of these drug classes leads to the conclusion that they all can be associated with oral dryness, making "all of the above" the appropriate choice for this question

The correct answer indicates that all the listed drug classes—antipsychotics, antihypertensives, and bisphosphonates—can contribute to oral dryness, known as xerostomia. Each of these classes affects salivary function differently, leading to a reduced sense of moisture in the mouth.

Antipsychotics, for example, are known to cause various anticholinergic side effects, which can include dry mouth. These medications interfere with the neurotransmitters that stimulate salivary gland secretion, resulting in decreased saliva production.

Antihypertensives can also have similar side effects. Some medications in this class, especially those that are diuretics or those with anticholinergic properties, can lead to dryness as they may alter fluid balance or reduce salivary gland activity.

Bisphosphonates, often used for conditions like osteoporosis, have been reported to cause oral dryness as an adverse effect as well. They are believed to affect the oral mucosa and salivary glands, contributing to the experience of dry mouth.

Thus, the combined effect of these drug classes leads to the conclusion that they all can be associated with oral dryness, making "all of the above" the appropriate choice for this question