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Biotene is used to help with dry mouth symptoms. It is usually well tolerated. If your dry mouth symptoms worsen or do not seem to improve while using Biotene, let your health care provider know. They may suggest other options to help you. There are several Biotene products available, including an oral rinse, gel, spray, and lozenge. Ask your health care provider if you need help choosing the Biotene product that best suits your needs.

Uses

What is Biotene used for?

Biotene (saliva substitute) is commonly used to help with dry mouth symptoms. You may also hear it called artificial saliva.

Biotene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Biotene work (mechanism of action)?

Biotene products add moisture and help lubricate the inside of your mouth. Some products may have xylitol in them. Xylitol seems to increase the amount of saliva or spit your body makes as another way to add moisture. Always check the label to see what ingredients your product has.

How is Biotene supplied (dosage forms)?

Biotene is available in many forms, such as an oral rinse, lozenge, moisturizing spray, and moisturizing gel. Biotene products may have various ingredients, including xylitol, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol.

Biotene is also available as a toothpaste. See: Fluoride dental.

How should I store Biotene?

Store Biotene according to the package label. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets. If you are unsure how to store Biotene, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Biotene?

Biotene products seem to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Biotene?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Biotene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Biotene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Biotene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Biotene?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Biotene. Check the label, as different Biotene products may have some or all of the following ingredients.

  • Artificial saliva
  • Biotene
  • Glycerin
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Saliva substitute
  • Xylitol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Biotene.

What should I know about Biotene before using it?

There are multiple forms of Biotene available. Use Biotene according to the product directions or as your health care provider recommends. Note that the directions for use may vary depending on which Biotene product you use. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you are not sure which product to use or how to use the product you have.

If you are using Biotene oral rinse, do not swallow it. You should spit it out after swishing it in your mouth for about 30 seconds.

If you are using Biotene gel or spray, you should apply it to your tongue and then spread it around your mouth.

If you are using Biotene lozenges, allow them to dissolve in your mouth. Using too many lozenges or using them too often may cause diarrhea or have a laxative effect.

If your dry mouth symptoms get worse or do not seem to improve while using Biotene, let your health care provider know. They may be able to suggest other options to help.

If you have mouth irritation when using Biotene, stop using it. If you need advice on other options to help with your dry mouth symptoms, ask your pharmacist or other health care provider.

Keep Biotene out of the reach of children and pets.

Many Biotene products contain xylitol. Even small amounts of xylitol can be toxic to dogs and some other animals, such as ferrets. If your dog eats a Biotene product that contains xylitol, call your vet, emergency animal clinic, or animal poison control center right away. Poisoning from xylitol can happen quickly, causing symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, shaking, seizures, trouble walking, and coma within as little as 20 minutes.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Biotene?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Biotene is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Biotene?

For more information about Biotene, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.biotene.com or call them at 888-246-8363 (lozenges) or 800-922-5856 (oral rinse, gel, and spray).

Interactions

Does Biotene interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Biotene and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Biotene.

Does Biotene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Biotene and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Biotene?

If you or someone else has used too much Biotene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Biotene?

Biotene is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.