Evaluation of buccoadhesive metronidazole tablets: microbiological response

Metronidazole has been found beneficial in a number of oro-dental infections namely dry socket, gingivitis, smelling tumours and periodontal diseases where anaerobes are implicated as pathogens. Buccoadhesive tablets of metronidazole were prepared by compressing the drug, bioadhesive polymers namely Carbopol-934P, a cellulose ether derivative, mannitol and suitable flavouring and sweetening agents. The tablet showed good release in vitro. It was subjected to in-situ release studies using bovine cheek pouch membrane in a flow through cell. The concentration was found to be above the MIC of the drug over the entire period of the release studies. The samples were tested against anaerobic strains commonly found in oro-dental infections. Since anaerobes are very slow growing microorganisms, a method for testing their susceptibility to metronidazole solutions was developed which can be used for other bioadhesive formulations which are active against anaerobes.