Does Vonoprazan (Voquezna) Cause Thirst and Dry Mouth?
No, vonoprazan does not cause thirst or dry mouth as recognized adverse effects based on available clinical trial data and safety profiles.
Evidence from Clinical Trials
The most comprehensive safety data for vonoprazan demonstrates that thirst and dry mouth are not among the documented adverse effects of this medication 1, 2, 3, 4.
Documented Adverse Effects of Vonoprazan
The actual adverse effects reported in clinical trials include 1:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dyspepsia
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 77 studies found that vonoprazan is well-tolerated with pooled incidences of 3:
- Any adverse events: 20%
- Drug-related adverse events: 7%
- Serious adverse events: 1%
- Adverse events leading to discontinuation: 1%
Notably, dry mouth (xerostomia) and thirst were not identified as common or significant adverse effects in any of these comprehensive safety analyses 3, 4.
Alternative Explanations for These Symptoms
If your patient is experiencing thirst and dry mouth while taking vonoprazan 20 mg daily, you should investigate other causes 5:
Concurrent Medications
- Anticholinergic medications are a common cause of xerostomia and should be reviewed 5
- Examples include tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and certain antipsychotics
Medical Conditions
- Diabetes mellitus (uncontrolled hyperglycemia)
- Renal disease affecting fluid balance 5
- Sjögren's syndrome or other autoimmune conditions
- Dehydration from inadequate fluid intake 5
Behavioral Factors
Clinical Recommendation
Do not attribute thirst and dry mouth to vonoprazan therapy. Instead, conduct a targeted evaluation for alternative etiologies 5:
- Review the medication list for anticholinergic agents or other drugs known to cause xerostomia 5
- Assess hydration status and fluid intake patterns 5
- Screen for diabetes with fasting glucose or HbA1c if not recently checked
- Evaluate renal function if there are concerns about fluid balance 5
- Consider referral to appropriate specialists if an underlying condition is suspected
Safety Profile Context
Vonoprazan has demonstrated a safety profile comparable to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), with no significant difference in overall adverse events between the two drug classes 3, 4. The medication is generally well-tolerated across short-term and medium-term use 6, 1.