antisialagogue
Pronunciation: an-tee-SY-al-uh-gog
A pharmacological agent used before dental procedures to reduce salivary and airway secretions, improving procedural conditions and airway safety during sedation.
Full Definition
Antisialagogues, such as atropine and glycopyrrolate, are anticholinergic drugs commonly administered as premedication in dental anesthesiology. By reducing oral and pharyngeal secretions, they lower the risk of aspiration and improve visualization during airway management. Editors should be aware of the less common alternate spelling 'antisialogogue' and note which spelling convention a publication follows. The term should not be confused with antiemetic agents, which address nausea rather than secretions. Dosing and route of administration are always specified in procedural notes.
Usage
Usage note: Two accepted spellings: 'antisialagogue' and 'antisialogogue'. Confirm house style. Do not confuse with 'antiemetic'.
In Context
- "Glycopyrrolate was selected as the antisialagogue of choice due to its minimal CNS penetration." — Anesthesia premedication order
- "The manuscript used 'antisialogogue' throughout, requiring normalisation to the journal's preferred 'antisialagogue'." — Manuscript copy-editing note