Formulation and evaluation of secnidazole or doxycycline dento-oral gels.

Local delivery of antibiotics has been shown to be effective in reducing periodontopathic microorganisms. The purpose of this study is to formulate gels containing secnidazole or doxycycline hydrochloride that could be used in the treatment of periodontitis by direct periodontal intrapocket administration. Different mucoadhesive polymers were used as cellulose derivatives, carbopol and eudragit. The prepared gels were evaluated for their in vitro drug release, rheological behavior, and mucoadhesive force. Increasing the concentration of each polymer increased the viscosity, mucoadhesion, and the time required for 30 and 50% release of the original mass of each drug. Gels with appropriate balance of the above-examined parameters were selected for microbiological evaluation. Microbiological studies on selected gels showed faster release of the two drugs (expressed as inhibition zones) than the commercial products of chlorhexidine gel (Eluge and miconazole nitrate emulgel (Miconaz).