Performance of a hydroxypropyl cellulose film former in normal and ulcerated oral mucosa.

Although oral ulcers are commonly encountered in clinical dental and medical practice, current therapeutic options with respect to pain relief are limited. This study evaluated the mucosal binding characteristics and the pain relief and protection properties of Zilactin, a hydroxypropyl cellulose film former. In 12 healthy volunteers, the mean duration of mucosal adherence of Zilactin was 3.92 hours, which was significantly longer than that of a widely available topical preparation (1.38 hours, p = 0.0001). When evaluated in 20 subjects with recurrent aphthous ulcerations, Zilactin demonstrated the ability to significantly decrease ulcer pain over a 4-hour period when compared with the subjects' individual standardized level of initial discomfort, which was used as an internal control for all subsequent steps. Challenge with an irritating citrus beverage was made before and after application of the medication. A significant difference in premedication and postmedication sensitivity was shown (p = 0.0001), indicating that the film provides protection, as well as pain relief. As a result of its unique and tenacious film-forming characteristics, this agent is exceptionally effective in the treatment of oral mucosal ulcerations. Greater awareness on the part of physicians and dentists may lead to the development of additional applications.