Formulation and in-Vitro Evaluation of Metronidazole Medicated Dental Gel

The present research work planned to prepare medicated therapeutic dental gel for the treatment of periodontal infection and dental caries.Metronidazole was choosen as model drug due to its wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity, low toxicity and high efficacy against bacteria.The dental gel was prepared by dispersion method using different natural bio-degradable polymers Chitosan, Xanthum gum and Guar gum in different concentrations with propylene glycol as humectant.The prepared gels were checked for physicochemical parameters like pH, dosage form spreadability, tube extrudability, gel viscosity, drug content, in vitro % drug release, antimicrobial studies and stability studies.FTIR studies showed no interaction between drug, polymer, and other excipients.In vitro % drug release studies were carried out in diffusion cell using pH 6.8 phosphate buffer as receptor media.Optimized formulation F10 containing Xanthum gum and Guar gum in ratio 1:1 showed good drug release of 97.2%.Stability studies conducted for optimized formulation at temperature of 40˚C for period of 3 months as per ICH guidelines.