| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for increasing unstimulated whole saliva in a patient. The method comprises orally administering an effective amount of a disaccharide, such as maltose, trehalose, or anhydrous crystalline maltose, to the patient in a dosage form such as a lozenge. The disaccharide can also be administered in combination with an effective amount of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a disaccharide in combination with vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The method is used to treat diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia. |