Drugs A - Z
Anhydrous crystalline maltose
Generic Name: Anhydrous crystalline maltose
Category
Herbs & SupplementsSynonyms
ACM, disaccharide.
Background
Anhydrous crystalline maltose has been used as a food stabilizer and a desiccant (chemical agent used to absorb moisture) for use in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Anhydrous crystalline maltose has been studied in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (inflammatory autoimmune disorder) for treatment of dry mouth.
Limited information is currently available about the effects of anhydrous crystalline maltose for the treatment of any indication in humans.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome) :
Anhydrous crystalline maltose (ACM) has been studied and may be effective for relieving symptoms of dry mouth associated with Sjogren's syndrome (inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by a dry mouth and dry eyes). Additional study is needed.
Grade: C
Tradition
WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.Insufficient available evidence.
Dosing
Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven effective dose for anhydrous crystalline maltose. However, 200-milligram lozenges have been taken by mouth three times a day for up to 24 weeks for relief of dry mouth in Sjogren's syndrome.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for anhydrous crystalline maltose in children.
Safety
DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to anhydrous crystalline maltose.
Side Effects and Warnings
Anhydrous crystalline maltose appears safe, although there is a lack of available reports on adverse events. Avoid in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to anhydrous crystalline maltose.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Anhydrous crystalline maltose is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
Insufficient available evidence.
Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements
Insufficient available evidence.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): J. Kathryn Bryan, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Dilys Burke, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.Fox PC, Cummins MJ, Cummins JM. A third study on the use of orally administered anhydrous crystalline maltose for relief of dry mouth in primary Sjogren's syndrome. J Altern Complement Med 2002;8(5):651-659.
Fox PC, Cummins MJ, Cummins JM. Use of orally administered anhydrous crystalline maltose for relief of dry mouth. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7(1):33-43.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
