Development, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel injectable smart gels of
azithromycin for chronic periodontitis.
Author(s): Venkatesh MP(1), Kumar TM, Avinash BS, Kumar GS.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS University, Mysore,
Karnataka, India. venkateshmpv@gmail.com
Publication date & source: 2013, Curr Drug Deliv. , 10(2):188-97
Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition affecting teeth resulting in
progressive destruction of periodontal ligaments, resorption of alveolar bone and
loss of teeth. Treatment of periodontitis includes surgical and non surgical
management. Systemic antibiotics are also used for the treatment of
periodontitis. The aim of this research was to formulate smart gel system of
azithromycin (AZT) and to evaluate in vitro and in vivo for non-surgical
treatment of chronic periodontitis. Azithromycin dihydrate, used systemically in
the treatment of periodontitis, was formulated into smart gels using
biodegradable, thermosensitive polymer Pluronic® F-127 (PF-127) and Hydroxy Ethyl
Cellulose (HEC) as copolymer. The prepared smart gels were evaluated for
sterility, content uniformity, gelation temperature and time, syringeability,
rheological behavior, in vitro diffusion and in vivo efficacy in human patients.
The prepared smart gels were clear and transparent, sterile, thermoresponsive and
injectable. Viscosity of gels increased with increase in concentration of
polymer/co-polymer and also with temperature. They gelled in short response time
below the body temperature. In vitro release studies showed controlled drug
release which was influenced significantly by the properties and concentration of
PF-127 and HEC. In vivo efficacy studies showed a significant improvement (p
<0.001) in clinical parameters such as gingival index, probing pocket depth,
clinical attachment level, bleeding index and plaque index. The developed
azithromycin smart gel system is a novel approach for the treatment of chronic
periodontitis since it reduces the dose and side effects, bypasses the usual
surgical procedures and improves patient compliance.
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