Nystatin:β-cyclodextrin and chlorhexidine:β-cyclodextrin mucoadhesive hydrogels for site-specific buccal applications.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop and analyze nystatin:β-cyclodextrin and chlorhexidine:β-cyclodextrin mucoadhesive hydrogels.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

Hydrogels were characterized by in vitro and ex vivo analyses, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

RESULTS

The hydrogel showed high adhesiveness and retention (83.37 ± 2.05%) to the porcine oral mucosa. The drug release from complexed nystatin and chlorhexidine hydrogels was 1.5 (95 µg/cm2) and 4.0 times higher (800 µg/cm2) than non-complexed drugs. Rheological studies indicated the prevalence of elastic behavior of the formulations. Ex vivo permeation using porcine mucosa showed retention on the oral mucosa. Hydrogels with nystatin and chlorhexidine inclusion complex showed inhibition percentages of 88.87% and 91.57%, respectively, and median inhibition zones of 8 mm.

CONCLUSION

Mucoadhesive hydrogels with inclusion complex are promising for oral lesions with greater retention at the treatment site.