ELIMINATION OF ELYZOL(R) 25-PERCENT DENTALGEL MATRIX FROM PERIODONTALPOCKETS

Elyzo(R) 25% Dentalgel (EDG) which is developed for use in the treatme nt of periodontitis is a suspension of metronidazole benzoate (40%) in a mixture of glyceryl mono-oleate (GMO) and triglyceride (sesame oil) . Metronidazole can be detected in the periodontal pockets 24-36 h aft er application. The aim of the present study was to estimate the perio d of time that the gel matrix persists on periodontal pockets after 1 application of EDG. 12 patients were included in the study. From each patient, 1 sample was taken before and immeditely after, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after application. Subgingival scaling followe d by absorption of gingival crevicular fluid with filter paper was use d for sampling. The sampling unit was 1 tooth. Each sample was assayed for the amount of GMO and oleic acid (a degradation product of GMO) b y means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detec tion. To allow determination of the GMO dose applied into the pockets and to estimate the recovery rate of the sampling method, 1 tooth in e ach patient was selected for sampling as soon as the gel had set, i.e. , about 10 min after application. Only in 1 patient was a detectable a mount of GMO within the pocket revealed 24 h after application. This a mount was approximately 0.5% of the mean GMO dose applied around 1 too th. GMO was found no longer than 12 h in the remaining patients.