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Design and evaluation of dental pastes Containing anti-inflammatory drugs

Abstract

Periodontitis is an oral disease associated with inflammation and pain with swollen and bleeding gums. In the present study, dental pastes containing NSAIDs, namely, diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) were prepared to treat periodontitis. Dental pastes of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) were prepared with/without mucoadhesive hydrocolloid polymers such as sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC), hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC) and methyl cellulose (MC) by conventional trituration method. The pH, drug content, viscosity, tube spreadability and tube extrudability of these prepared dental pastes were measured. These dental pastes of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) were characterized by FTIR analyses for drug-excipient compatibility. The in vitro drug releases from these dental pastes in 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution displayed sustained release over longer period and the drug release rate was found to be decreased when the concentration of mucoadhesive polymer was increased. These dental pastes displayed good adhesion to the oral mucosa revealing more retention time in mouth when tested for ex vivo mucoadhesion using bovine cheek pouch. The stability study results reveal that the DC3 and NC3 dental paste formulations were found stable enough over a longer period in different storage conditions. The present study revealed that the prepared mucoadhesive dental pastes of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) had good adhesion with the oral mucosa to maintain consistent release of drugs over prolonged time.

Keywords:
Periodontitis; Nimesulide; Diclofenac; Mucoadhesive

INTRODUCTION

Periodontitis is an oral disease affecting a significant proportion of people in all groups, races, ethnicities and genders (Barat et al., 2007Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit J, Anupurba S, Mittal N. Chitosan inserts for periodontitis: Influence of drug loading, plasticizer and crosslinking on in vitro metronidazole release. Acta Pharm. 2007;57(4):469-77.; Patel, Patel, 2013Patel TK, Patel VM. Formulation and evaluation of medicated dental pastes for treatment of periodontitis. Int J Pharm Innov 2013;3(1):16-21.). The early stage of periodontal disease leads to a painful suffering associated with swollen and bleeding gums (Pataquiva Mateus, Ferraz, Monteiro, 2007Pataquiva Mateus AY, Ferraz MP, Monteiro FJ. Nano-hydoxyapatite microspheres for periodontitis treatment: Preparation and cytotoxicity studies. Eur Cells Mater. 2007;14:85.). If untreated, it can destroy both bone and soft tissues that support teeth and eventually may produce tooth loss (Ferraz et al., 2007Ferraz MP, Mateus AY, Sousa JC, Monteiro FJ. Nanohydroxyapatite microspheres as delivery system for antibiotics: Release kinetics, antimicrobial activity, and interaction with osteoblasts. J Biomed Mater Res Part A. 2007;81A(4):994-1004.; Lindhe, Haffaiee, Socransky, 1983Lindhe J, Haffaiee AD, Socransky SS. Progression of periodontal disease in adult subjects in the absence of periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodont. 1983;10(4):433-42.; Seymour, Heasman, Macgregor, 1992Seymour RA, Heasman PA, Macgregor IDM. The pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In: Drugs, Disease and the Periodontium. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1992. p.1-10.). Historically, the etiology of periodontitis has focused on the bacterial plaque, microbial by-products, and the host immune response (Lindhe, Haffaiee, Socransky, 1983Lindhe J, Haffaiee AD, Socransky SS. Progression of periodontal disease in adult subjects in the absence of periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodont. 1983;10(4):433-42.). Bacterial plaques are considered as the primary etiologic factor of periodontitis (Seymour, Heasman, Macgregor, 1992Seymour RA, Heasman PA, Macgregor IDM. The pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In: Drugs, Disease and the Periodontium. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1992. p.1-10.). The current periodontitis treatment includes the delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics (Ali et al., 2012Ali MS, Ali J, Ahuja A, Alam MS. Formulation and characterization of dental film containing ofloxacin. J App Pharm Sci. 2012;2(11):114-9.; Barat et al., 2007Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit J, Anupurba S, Mittal N. Chitosan inserts for periodontitis: Influence of drug loading, plasticizer and crosslinking on in vitro metronidazole release. Acta Pharm. 2007;57(4):469-77.; Ferraz et al., 2007Ferraz MP, Mateus AY, Sousa JC, Monteiro FJ. Nanohydroxyapatite microspheres as delivery system for antibiotics: Release kinetics, antimicrobial activity, and interaction with osteoblasts. J Biomed Mater Res Part A. 2007;81A(4):994-1004.; Pataquiva Mateus, Ferraz, Monteiro, 2007Pataquiva Mateus AY, Ferraz MP, Monteiro FJ. Nano-hydoxyapatite microspheres for periodontitis treatment: Preparation and cytotoxicity studies. Eur Cells Mater. 2007;14:85.; Patel, Patel, 2013Patel TK, Patel VM. Formulation and evaluation of medicated dental pastes for treatment of periodontitis. Int J Pharm Innov 2013;3(1):16-21.; Seymour, Heasman, Macgregor, 1992Seymour RA, Heasman PA, Macgregor IDM. The pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In: Drugs, Disease and the Periodontium. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1992. p.1-10.). Recently, various local drug delivery approaches to treat periodontitis have been investigated to reduce the side- effects associated with systemic drug administration for a longer period (Barat et al., 2007Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit J, Anupurba S, Mittal N. Chitosan inserts for periodontitis: Influence of drug loading, plasticizer and crosslinking on in vitro metronidazole release. Acta Pharm. 2007;57(4):469-77.; Barat et al., 2006Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit JK, Ridhurkar D, Balasubramaniam J, Mittal N, Mishra DN. Niridazole biodegradable inserts for local long-term treatment of periodontitis: Possible new life for an orphan drug. Drug Delivery. 2006;13(5):365-73.; Ferraz et al., 2007Ferraz MP, Mateus AY, Sousa JC, Monteiro FJ. Nanohydroxyapatite microspheres as delivery system for antibiotics: Release kinetics, antimicrobial activity, and interaction with osteoblasts. J Biomed Mater Res Part A. 2007;81A(4):994-1004.). Local delivery systems for the treatment of periodontitis have some potential limitations and benefits. If applied as a monotherapy, then the troubles related with the local drug delivery to treat periodontitis may comprise allergic reactions, possible incapability to disrupt bio- films and also, may malfunction to remove the calculus (Lindhe, Haffaiee, Socransky, 1983Lindhe J, Haffaiee AD, Socransky SS. Progression of periodontal disease in adult subjects in the absence of periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodont. 1983;10(4):433-42.; Seymour, Heasman, Macgregor, 1992Seymour RA, Heasman PA, Macgregor IDM. The pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In: Drugs, Disease and the Periodontium. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1992. p.1-10.). The benefits comprises of the ease of application, selectively targeting a limited number of diseased-sites that are unresponsive to the conventional therapy, and possibly improves the treatment results at specific locations (Barat et al., 2006Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit JK, Ridhurkar D, Balasubramaniam J, Mittal N, Mishra DN. Niridazole biodegradable inserts for local long-term treatment of periodontitis: Possible new life for an orphan drug. Drug Delivery. 2006;13(5):365-73.). The present work was designed to improve the gel hardness, spreadability and compressibility, properties that may affect the ease of product removal from the container (Barat et al., 2006Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit JK, Ridhurkar D, Balasubramaniam J, Mittal N, Mishra DN. Niridazole biodegradable inserts for local long-term treatment of periodontitis: Possible new life for an orphan drug. Drug Delivery. 2006;13(5):365-73.; Killoy, 1998Killoy WJ. Chemical treatment of periodontitis: local delivery of antimicrobials. Int Dental J. 1998;48(S3):305-15.).

Earlier, medical researchers hypothesized that the production of prostaglandins and other metabolites of arachidonic acid locally within the periodontitis infected tissues usually contributes to the alveolar bone resorption (Etienne, 2003Etienne D. Locally delivered antimicrobials for the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Oral Dis. 2003;9(s1):45-50.). Recent medical research findings on periodontitis have shown that the inhibitors of prostaglandin production, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could affect the course of tooth bone loss in periodontal infection (Jones, Woolfson, Brown,1997Jones DS, Woolfson AD, Brown AF. Textural, viscoelastic and mucoadhesive properties of pharmaceutical gels composed of cellulose polymers. Int J Pharm. 1997;151(2):223-33.). Even these findings indicate that NSAIDs can reduce the gingival inflammation and reduce the alveolar bone resorption (Ahmed et al., 2009Ahmed MG, Harish NM, Charyulu RN, Prabhu P. Formulation of chitosan-based ciprofloxacin and diclofenac film for periodontitis therapy. Trop J Pharm Res. 2009;8(1):33-41.). The utility of medicated paste formulations containing NSAIDs for the topical drug delivery have been found more economical towards both patient’s choice and the industrial point of view than the other existing marketed formulations. Most of the hydrophilic macromolecules or hydrocolloids forming polymers contains numerous hydrogen bond forming groups, these hydrogen forming groups has the tendency to consolidate mucoadhesion. The mucoadhesiveness of the polymeric membrane is achieved in two stages, the first stage involves initiation of contact between the biological membrane and the polymer and the second stage involves consolidation of the polymer initiated by weak vanderwaal’s forces and hydrogen bonding (Ali et al., 2010Ali M, Singh S, Kumar A, Singh S, Ansari M, Pattnaik G. Preparation and in vitro evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets of phenytoin sodium using natural polymers. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2010;2(3):174-79.; Carvalho et al., 2010Carvalho FC, Bruschi ML, Evangelista RC, Gremião MPD. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. Braz J Pharm Sci. 2010;46(1):1-17.). In the present study, an attempt has been made to prepare and evaluate dental pastes containing NSAIDs, namely, diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w). Diclofenac sodium and nimesulide are two widely used NSAIDs having analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities (Soskolone, Freidman, 2004Soskolone WA, Freidman M. Intra-periodontal pocket drug delivery. In: Rathbone MJ. edited. Oral Mucosal Delivery. Marcel Dekker, New york. 2004. p.359-79.; Williams, et al., 1989Williams RC, Jeffcoat MK, Howard HT, Rolla A, Stubbs D, Teoh KW, Reddy MS, Goldhaber P. Altering the Progression of Human Alveolar Bone Loss With the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Flurbiprofen. J Periodontol. 1989;60(9):485-90.). Diclofenac sodium is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis (Soskolone, Freidman, 2004Soskolone WA, Freidman M. Intra-periodontal pocket drug delivery. In: Rathbone MJ. edited. Oral Mucosal Delivery. Marcel Dekker, New york. 2004. p.359-79.) whereas nimesulide specifically inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 thus exerting milder effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa (Williams et al., 1989Williams RC, Jeffcoat MK, Howard HT, Rolla A, Stubbs D, Teoh KW, Reddy MS, Goldhaber P. Altering the Progression of Human Alveolar Bone Loss With the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Flurbiprofen. J Periodontol. 1989;60(9):485-90.). Therefore, the aim of the current research was to prepare and evaluate mucoadhesive dental pastes containing diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) for the possible use in the treatment of periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Material

Diclofenac sodium and nimesulide were obtained from B. S. Traders Pvt. Ltd., India. Precipitated chalk (calcium carbonate), sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC; molecular weight of 262.19 g/mol), hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC; molecular weight of 736.71 g/mol) and methyl cellulose (MC; molecular weight of 658.73 g/mol) were obtained from LobaChemie Pvt. Ltd., India. Glycerin, methyl paraben, camphor, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium hydroxide were obtained from SD Fine Chemicals, India. Methanol (Raxil-Ranbaxy, India), cellophane membrane (Himedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., India) and empty aluminum collapsible tubes (Digvijay Containers & Closures, India) were used. Demineralized and double distilled water was used. All other chemicals and reagents used were of analytical grade.

Preparations of dental pastes

Dental pastes of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) and nimesulide (1 % w/w) were prepared by conventional trituration method. Hydrocolloids and methyl paraben were mixed in measured quantity of water and glycerin with the help of a mortar and pestle. Drugs (1 % w/w diclofenac sodium or nimesulide) were dissolved in remaining quantity of water and added to the above mixture with continuous trituration for 30 minutes. Previously sifted (75 # sieve) precipitated chalk (calcium carbonate) was gradually added to the above mixture followed by camphor. The trituration was continued until smooth paste was obtained. The formulation charts of various dental pastes containing diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) or nimesulide (1 % w/w) are shown in Table I and Table II, respectively.

TABLE I
Formula of various diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) dental pastes

TABLE II
Formula of various nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes

Determination of drug content uniformity

Dental pastes (1 g each) of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide were dissolved in methanol. The solutions were suitably diluted and the absorbance were measured at 278 nm for diclofenac sodium and 297 nm for nimesulide against the appropriate blanks using a UV- VIS Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation, Japan).

pH determination

Dental pastes (1 g each) of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide were taken in a 150 ml beaker. 10 ml of freshly boiled and cooled water (at 27°C) was added. These mixtures were stirred to make thorough suspension. The pH of the suspension was measured within 5 min using digital pH meter (Systronics Instruments, India).

Viscosity measurement

The viscosities of formulated diclofenac sodium and nimesulide dental pastes were determined using Brookfield viscometer (DV-III Units Programmable Rheometer, USA) at a controlled temperature of 30 ± 5ºC.

Tube spreadability measurement

Formulated diclofenac sodium and nimesulide dental pastes (1 g) were weighed at the centre of the glass plate (10 x 10 cm) and another glass plate was placed over it carefully. Weight of 2 kg was placed at the centre of the plate to avoid sliding of the plates for each formulation. The diameters for each dental paste were measured after 30 min.

Tube extrudability measurement

The dental pastes of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide were filled in clean lacquered aluminum collapsible one-ounce tubes with a nasal tip of 5 mm openings. The pressure on these aluminum collapsible one-ounce tubes was applied by the help of finger. The tube extrudability for all these dental pastes were determined by measuring the percentage amount of pastes extruded through the tip when a pressure was applied on tube paste.

Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses

Samples were mixed with potassium bromide (KBr) and analyzed as KBr pellets by using a FTIR spectroscope (Perkin Elmer Spectrum RX I, USA). The pellet was placed in the sample holder and spectral scanning was taken at a resolution of 4 cm-1 with scan speed of 1 cm/sec.

In vitro drug release studies

Drug release of the diclofenac sodium and nimesulide from various medicated dental pastes (1 g each) was studied by using the permeation apparatus. A glass cylinder with both the ends open, 10 cm in height, 3.7 cm in outer diameter and 3.1 cm in inner diameter was used as a permeation cell. A cellophane membrane soaked in distilled water (24 h before use) was fixed to the end of the cylinder with aid of an adhesive to result the permeation cell. 1 g of medicament was kept in permeation cell. A beaker of containing 100 ml of 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution was used as the receptor compartment. The sample was immersed to a depth of below the surface of medium in the receptor compartment. The medium in the compartment was agitated using a magnetic stirrer at the temperature 37± 1ºC. Samples were withdrawn (5ml) at the interval of 15 min and assayed at 278 nm for diclofenac sodium and 297 nm for nimesulide against the appropriate blanks using a UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation, Japan).

Mucoadhesive test

A modified physical balance composed of a two- arm balance was used to evaluate the mucoadhesive performances of these dental pastes. The left arm of the balance was replaced by small stainless steel lamina vertically suspended through a wire. At the same side, a movable platform was maintained in the bottom in order to fix the model mucosal membrane. Bovine mucosal membrane was used as model mucosal membrane for the mucoadhesive test.

The bovine buccal mucosa excised from bovine cheek pouch was obtained within 2 h of its death from the slaughter house and immediately transported to the laboratory in 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution. The buccal mucosa was separated from the full thickness of the tissue after immersion in distilled water and then in 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution, at 37 ± 1°C for 2 min. The fatty layers were removed by scalpel, and the buccal mucosa was isolated from the underlying tissue. Finally, the mucosa was washed with 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution.

The excised and washed bovine buccal mucosa was fixed to the movable platform. 1 g of dental pastes was fixed to the stainless steel lamina using glue. The exposed paste surface was moistened with 1 ml of 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution for 30 sec for initial hydration and swelling. The platform was then raised upward until the hydrated pastes were brought into contact with the mucosal surface. A preload of 20 g weight was placed for the evaluation of each paste over the stainless steel lamina for 3 min as initial pressure, and then weights were slowly increased on the right pan, till the pastes detach from the mucosal membrane. The weight required (in g) to detach the paste from the mucosal membrane was measured as the mucoadhesive strength (shear stress) of these dental pastes (Amit, 2010Amit N. Thermodynamic study of the diclofenac sodium solubility in various oils. Khimiya. 2010;19:121-8.).

Stability studies

The stability studies of selected dental pastes were performed in accordance to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). The selected diclofenac sodium and nimesulide dental pastes (1 g each) were subjected for stability studies for a period of 4 weeks. These selected dental pastes were packed in the collapsible tubes and stored at refrigeration (5°C ± 1°C) temperature for 1 h and at 45°C ± 2°C, under 70 ± 5 % relative humidity (RH) for 4 weeks. The drug content, pH, spreadability and extrudability were determined for each selected dental pastes tested for their stability.

Statistical analysis

All data was analyzed with simple statistics. The simple statistical analysis was conducted using MedCalc software version 11.6.1.0.3.

RESULTS

In the present work, dental pastes of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide were formulated using MC or HEC or NaCMC in three different concentrations with varying concentration of calcium carbonate (Table I and Table II). Glycerin was used as humectants and co-solvent. Methyl paraben, SLS and camphor were used as preservative, surfactant and flavoring agent, respectively. The dental pastes of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) were found white and sticky. On the other hand, the dental pastes of nimesulide (1 % w/w) were found to be yellowish. The pH of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) dental pastes was found within the range, 5.86 to 6.96 (Table III). The pH of nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes was found within the range, 6.56 to 6.86 (Table III). The diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) dental pastes showed drug contents within the range, 96.43 ± 1.82 to 99.51 ± 3.93 % (Table III). The drug contents (1 % w/w) nimesulide dental pastes were found to be within, 96.43 ± 1.74 to 99.63 ± 3.74 % (Table III). The viscosities of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) dental pastes were measured within the range, 40065.08 to 65259.92 cps (Table III) and for nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes were measured within the range, 40056.25 to 65261.02 cps (Table IV).

TABLE III
pH, drug content (%), viscosity (cps), tube spreadability and tube extrudability of various diclofenac sodium nimesulide (1 % w/w each) dental pastes

TABLE IV
Curve-fitting in vitro drug release data of various diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w each) dental pastes

The tube spreadability of (1 % w/w) diclofenac sodium and nimesulide dental pastes was measured within the range, 6.10 ± 0.58 to 7.45 ± 0.63 cm and 6.63 ± 0.44 to 7.53 ± 0.26 cm respectively (Table III). The tube extrudability of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes was measured within the range, 86.07 ± 2.86 to 96.39 ± 2.73 % and 83.48 ± 0.96 to 96.27 ± 3.26 % respectively (Table III).

The FTIR spectrum of diclofenac sodium exhibited peak absorption bands at 3383 cm-1 and 3259 cm-1 corresponding to N-H and weak C-O-H absorption, respectively. Presence of aromatic ring was confirmed by strong C=C absorption appeared at 1574 cm-1 and 1557 cm-1. All these characteristic peaks of diclofenac sodium appeared without any significant shifting in the FTIR spectrum of formulated diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) dental pastes (Figure 1). The FTIR spectrum of pure nimesulide exhibited strong peak at 3283 cm-1 corresponding to N-H of the sulfonamide. At 1598 cm-1 and 1588 cm-1, further presence of aromatic C=C absorption was observed. At 1153 cm-1, the S=O absorption peak was noticed. All these characteristic peaks of nimesulide appeared without any significant shifting in the FTIR spectrum of formulated nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental paste (Figure 2)

FIGURE 1
FTIR spectra of pure diclofenac sodium (a) and dental pastes of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) prepared using MC (b), HEC (c) and NaCMC (d)

FIGURE 2
FTIR spectra of pure nimesulide (a) and dental pastes of nimesulide (1 % w/w) prepared using MC (b), HEC

The in vitro drug release studies of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes were carried out in 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution and the drug release patterns are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. The increasing order of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide release rate from these dental pastes containing hydrocolloids was as follows: NaCMC < HEC < MC.

FIGURE 3
In vitro diclofenac sodium release from dental pastes of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w)

FIGURE 4
In vitro nimesulide release from dental pastes of nimesulide (1 % w/w)

The data of in vitro release of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide from these formulated dental pastes were evaluated kinetically using various mathematical models: Zero-order model: Q=kt+Q0; First-order model: Q=Q0ek·t; Higuchi model: Q=kt0.5; Korsmeyer-Peppas model: Q=ktn; where Q = drug released amount in time t, Q0 = start value of Q; k = rate constants and n = release exponent.Again, the Korsmeyer-Peppas model was employed in in vitro diclofenac sodium and nimesulide release behavior analysis of various dental pastes to find out in vitro drug release mechanisms: Fickian (non-steady) diffusion (when n ≤ 0.5), non-Fickian or “anomalous” diffusion (when n = within 0.5 and 1) and case-II transport (zero-order) (when n ≥ 1) (Ansari, Risheshwar, Ali, 2017Ansari MT, Risheshwar P, Ali S. Effects of polymers on complexation efficiency of aceclofenac-beta cyclodextrin inclusion complex. Int J Pharm Bio Sci. 2017;8(4):21-9.; Saleem, Taher, 2008Saleem MA, Taher M, Sanaullah S, Najmuddin M, Ali J, Humaira S, Roashan S. Formulation and evaluation of tramadol hydrochloride rectal suppositories. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2008;70(5):640-4.; Sant, Swati, 2011Sant S, Swati S, Awadhesh K, Sajid M, Pattnaik G, Tahir M, Farheen S. Hydrophilic polymers as release modifiers for primaquine phosphate: Effect of polymeric dispersion. ARS Pharm. 2011;52(3):19-25.). The results of curve-fitting of the in vitro release of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide from formulated dental pastes into above mentioned mathematical models are presented in Table IV.

Ex vivo mucoadhesive evaluation of these diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes of was carried out using bovine check pouch. Ex vivo mucoadhesive strengths of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) dental pastes were measured within the range, 28.67 ± 0.20 to 165.13 ± 0.51 g (Table V). Ex vivo mucoadhesive strengths of various nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes were measured within the range, 28.67 ± 0.20 to 165.13 ± 0.51 g (Table V).

TABLE V
Mucoadhesive strengths (g) of various diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w each) dental pastes

For the stability study, selected dental pastes were packed in the collapsible tubes and stored at refrigeration (5°C ± 1°C) temperature for 1 h, 45°C ± 2°C, under 70 ± 5 % relative humidity (RH) for 4 weeks. The drug content, pH, tube spreadability and tube extrudability was determined for selected dental pastes for their stability. The results are depicted in Table VI.

TABLE VI
Stability results of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental paste formulation DC3

DISCUSSION

Dental pastes containing NSAIDs such as diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) can be used for the effective management of dental pain and inflammation with local delivery into the periodontal pockets. The pH of dental pastes may change the oral environment, slightly acidic or basic pH may promote irritation of oral mucosa on application. Measured pH of the formulated dental pastes was within the acceptable limit as pH less than 4.5 will lead to enamel erosion (Table III) (Benjakul, Chuenarrom, 2011Benjakul P, Chuenarrom C. Association of dental enamel loss with the pH and titratable acidity of beverages. J Dental Sci. 2011;6(3):129-33.). This can produce oral mucosal irritation upon application. Formulated dental pastes exhibited uniform distribution of active ingredient. Moreover, the drug content was found to be in acceptable range (Table III). The viscosities of diclofenac sodium (1 % w/w) and nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes were above 40000 cps (Table III). It was apparent that pastes without the presence of hydrocolloid polymers (DX and NX) exhibited low viscosity. It was further manifested that the paste exhibited higher viscosity as the concentration of hydrocolloid polymer was increased. Highest viscosity was endured by formulation DC3 and NC3 which contained 2.5% w/w of NaCMC. This may be attributed to ion binding and hydrogen bonding phenomenon of NaCMC (Shailaja et al., 2012Shailaja T, Latha K, Sasibhushan P, Alkabab AM, Uhumwangho MU. A novel bioadhesive polymer: grafting of tamarind seed polysaccharide and evaluation of its use in buccal delivery of metoprolol succinate. Der Pharm Lett. 2012;4:487-508.).

In both dental pastes (DX and NX), the tube spreadability was found better, especially when pastes were prepared without the incorporation of hydrocolloid polymers. The tube spreadability of the formulated dental pastes decreased with an increase in hydrocolloid concentration. Spreadability plays an important role in patient compliance and help in uniform application of paste. A good paste takes less time to spread and will have high spreadability. The extrusion of paste from collapsible tube is important during application and for the patient compliance. Pastes with high viscosity may not extrude from the tube easily whereas low viscous pastes may flow quickly.

The FTIR results indicated absence of any drug- excipient incompatibility in the formulated dental pastes of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (Figure 1 and 2).

The in vitro release of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide from all these dental pastes was found to be sustained over a long period of time (Figure 3 and Figure 4). The in vitro percent drug release from the formulated pastes decreased as the concentration of mucoadhesive polymer was increased in the formula. The decrease in in vitro release of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide from these dental pastes may be imputed to the increase in the viscosity of the pastes. The drug release from dental pastes containing MC was found lower as compared to dental pastes containing HEC and NaCMC.

When respective correlation coefficients were compared, it was found that the drug release for paste containing hydrocolloid polymer followed zero order release obeying Korsmeyer-Peppas model (n = 1). The release exhibited case II transport mechanism (Table IV). However, dental pastes prepared without hydrocolloid polymers (DX and NX) followedfirst- order model. The result indicated that the in vitro release of diclofenac sodium and nimesulide from DX and NX dental pastes followed non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion mechanism.

Ex vivo mucoadhesive evaluation of these dental pastes of was carried out using bovine check pouch. ex vivo mucoadhesive strength of these dental pastes containing hydrocolloid polymers followed: MC < HEC < NaCMC. The dental pastes prepared with 2.50 % of NaCMC (DC3 and NC3) displayed highest mucoadhesive strength (Table V). This mucoadhesive property may be beneficial to make intimate contact with the site of action (i.e., mucus layer overlying the epithelial tissue). This may also be helpful to maintain consistent release of drugs over prolonged time at the site of application (Das, Nayak, Nanda, 2013Das B, Nayak AK, Nanda U. Topical gels of lidocaine HCl using cashew gum and Carbopol 940: Preparation and in vitro skin permeation. Int J Biol Macromol. 2013;62:514-17.; Malakar, Basu, Nayak, 2014Malakar J, Basu A, Nayak A. Candesartan Cilexetil Microemulsions for Transdermal Delivery: Formulation, in- vitro Skin Permeation and Stability Assessment. Curr Drug Delivery. 2014;11(3):313-21.).

Selected formulations were subjected for stability studies following the ICH guidelines. The stability study results reveal that the DC3 and NC3 dental paste formulations were found stable enough over a longer period in different storage conditions (Table VI).

CONCLUSION

The current study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate dental pastes containing NSAIDs, namely, diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) to treat periodontitis. Dental pastes were prepared by conventional trituration method. Physicochemical evaluation studies, suggested optimum tube extrudability and tube spreadability characters. Drug content, pH and viscosity for all formulation was within the acceptable ranges. The in vitro drug release of formulated diclofenac sodium and nimesulide (1 % w/w) dental pastes carried out in 6.4 pH phosphate buffer solution displayed sustained release over longer period. The drug release followed the following order NaCMC < HEC < MC. The in vitro drug release from dental pastes prepared with hydrocolloid polymers followed zero-order kinetic model with case-II transport mechanism; whereas the in vitro drug release from dental pastes prepared without the hydrocolloid polymers (DX and NX) followed first-order kinetic model obeying non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion mechanism. FTIR results indicated no drug-excipient incompatibility. The formulated pastes displayed good adhesion to the oral mucosa revealing more retention time in mouth when tested for ex vivo mucoadhesion using bovine cheeck pouch. This can be beneficial to get intimate contact with the site of action during and after application to maintain consistent sustained release of drugs over prolonged time. The stability study results reveal that the DC3 and NC3 dental paste formulations were found stable enough over a longer period in different storage conditions.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    14 Mar 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    12 Aug 2018
  • Accepted
    07 May 2019
Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, n. 580, 05508-000 S. Paulo/SP Brasil, Tel.: (55 11) 3091-3824 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: bjps@usp.br