EVALUATION OF BUCCOADHESIVE METRONIDAZOLE TABLETS - MICROBIOLOGICAL RESPONSE

Metronidazole has been found beneficial in a number of ore-dental infe ctions namely dry socket, gingivitis, smelling rumours and periodontal diseases where anaerobes are implicated as pathogens, Buccondhesive t ablets of metronidazole were prepared by compressing the drug, bioadhe sive polymers namely Carbopol-934P, a cellulose ether derivative, mann itol and suitable flavouring and sweetening agents. The tablet showed good release in vitro. It was subjected to in-situ release studies usi ng bovine cheek pouch membrane in a flow through cell. The concentrati on was found to be above the MIC of the drug over the entire period of the release studies. The samples were tested against anaerobic strain s commonly found in ore-dental infections. Since anaerobes are very sl ow growing microorganisms, a method for testing their susceptibility t o metronidazole solutions was developed which can be used for other bi oadhesive formulations which are active against anaerobes.