Sjogren syndrome

Anticholinergics, antihistamines, and diuretics may exacerbate eye dryness and should be avoided if possible.

Antidepressants, cholinesterase inhibitors, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, diuretics, stimulants, and bronchodilators can induce dry mouth, and should be avoided if possible.

Excessive exposure to the preservatives in artificial tears may cause toxicity to the ocular surface, so patients should be advised to limit use to 4 times daily, and be strongly encouraged to consider preservative-free products.

To prevent candidal infection in this susceptible group, patients should be counseled not to wear dentures overnight, and to clean dentures with chlorhexidine.

Coordination with dental professionals to ensure preventive dental care and the use of fluoride is important in preventing severe dental caries and total tooth loss, for which patients are at risk.