A woman diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome is experiencing worsening dry mouth. What medication should be considered for her?

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Cevimeline is a muscarinic agonist that specifically stimulates the salivary glands, making it an effective treatment option for patients experiencing dry mouth, or xerostomia, due to Sjögren syndrome. This condition is characterized by immune-mediated destruction of exocrine glands, particularly the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to significant dryness. By enhancing salivary secretion, Cevimeline helps to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth, thus improving the patient's quality of life.

Other treatment options listed do not directly address dry mouth. Cyclosporine drops are typically used to treat dry eyes associated with Sjögren syndrome, not dry mouth. Low-dose prednisone can help manage inflammation and associated autoimmune symptoms in Sjögren syndrome but does not directly stimulate saliva production. Sulfasalazine is primarily an anti-inflammatory medication often used for inflammatory bowel disease and certain types of arthritis rather than for managing dry mouth in Sjögren syndrome. Therefore, Cevimeline is the most suitable choice for improving salivary function in this patient.

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