The effectiveness of scopolamine ointment for drooling in a patient with tongue cancer

ABSTRACT

A decrease in swallowing function growth may lead to drooling and a diminished quality of life in patients with tongue cancer. Common ways to counteract drooling include a reduction of fluid intake, and the administration of anticholinergics. These actions, however, may not often suppress drooling sufficiently. Here we report how the application of the formulation of scopolamine ointment near the mastoid process behind the ear resulted in the alleviation of drooling in a tongue cancer patient, after continuous intravenous scopolamine butylbromide infusion was unsuccessful. Dry mouth was noted as an adverse event, which was not problematic. Also, the ointment could be used without local dermatitis. Scopolamine ointment is much more convenient to use than continuous injection, suggesting the improved treatment for drooling in patients with tongue cancer.