Effect of dental films containing amoxycillin and metronidazole on periodontal pathogens: microbiological response

Biodegradable dental films containing a combination of amoxycillin and metronidazole were prepared by a dispersion method. The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of this formulation against the pathogens which are commonly implicated in periodontal infections. Films showed sustained release in vitro for a period of 16 days. In situ release studies carried out using fresh bovine buccal mucosa in a flow through cell, showed that drug concentrations were maintained above MIC values for the entire period of the release studies. Samples from these studies were capable of inhibiting the growth of most of the test strains. The combination of amoxycillin and metronidazole using carrier polymer poly-L (lactide co-glycolide) not only showed an extended spectrum of antimicrobial activity but also showed a synergistic effect against Eubacterium limosum, which had earlier been reported resistant to metronidazole.