Abstract:
Lozenges comprising ethyl cellulose and cannabinoids for rapid and efficient delivery of medical cannabinoids are provided. The lozenge is suitable for administration of the cannabinoid(s) through the oral mucosa to the bloodstream. Embodiments of the lozenge are disclosed that comprise additives which alleviate other issues related to administration of cannabinoids. Additives disclosed include xanthan gum to alleviate dry mouth syndrome, essential oils for flavoring and anti-bacterial activities, zinc for breath improvement, permeation enhancers and alkali metal bicarbonates for reducing acidity in the mouth. Methods for manufacture of the lozenges and its use in treatment of disease conditions are provided.
Abstract:
Aspects of the invention include a sustained release dosage form that can be administered to an oral cavity, e.g., the mouth. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form is formulated as a lozenge or gum that may be administered to an oral cavity of a user for the purpose of dissolving over a prolonged period of time and thereby delivering an essential oil component therein. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a beneficial agent and, therefore, not only provides for the prolonged delivery of an essential oil component to an oral cavity, but also provides for the sustained release of a beneficial agent thereto. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a biocompatible, water-insoluble polymer, e.g., ethylcellulose and an essential oil component, which are combined in such a manner so as to produce a dosage form that substantially dissolves over a prolonged period of time when positioned within an aqueous environment, such as an oral cavity of a user. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form may include an additional water soluble agent, such as gum arabic, which may be included so as to further provide the dosage form with a desired dissolution characteristic. In certain embodiments, the dosage form may also include a beneficial agent to be delivered to the mouth. Methods of formulating such dosage forms and administering them to an oral cavity for the treatment of an adverse condition are also provided herein.
Abstract:
Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustained release of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustained release by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoring agent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpene or sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agent in addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents include ionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. The dosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive or substantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhere to the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto. Methods for using the dosage forms to provide sustained release of a flavoring agent and optionally deliver a second beneficial agent are also provided, as are methods for treating the common cold, treating a sore throat, facilitating weight loss, and assisting in smoking cessation.
Abstract:
A dry mouth test is provided comprising placing a wickable test strip in the mouth of a subject to collect salivary fluid. Distance migrated by the saliva over a specific period of time correlates with the production of saliva and dryness of the mouth. A marker dye is optionally used on the strip which co-migrates with the saliva front and aids in indicating the distance saliva migrates on the strip. A graduated migration scale is printed on the strip to indicate the distance traveled by the saliva. Saliva production is measured with or without stimulation of the salivary glands.
Abstract:
Aspects of the invention include a sustained release dosage form that can be administered to an oral cavity, e.g., the mouth. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form is formulated as a lozenge or gum that may be administered to an oral cavity for the purpose of providing lubrication therein. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form not only provides lubrication to a mucosal surface of an oral cavity, but also provides for the sustained release of a flavoring and/or beneficial agent. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a water-insoluble polymer, e.g., ethylcellulose, an essential oil component, and an effective amount of a film forming binder, e.g., xanthan gum. In certain embodiments, the effective amount of the film forming binder and the type of film forming binder are selected so as to provide the sustained release dosage with the capability of lubricating one or more mucosal surfaces within an oral cavity when the dosage form is positioned therein. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form is formulated in a manner sufficient to form a matrix that includes the various components of the sustained release dosage form, such that when positioned in an oral cavity the matrix slowly dissolves and thereby lubricates the oral cavity and/or delivers a flavoring and/or beneficial agent thereto. Methods of formulating such dosage forms and administering them to an oral cavity for the treatment of an adverse condition are also provided.
Abstract:
Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustained release of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustained release by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoring agent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpene or sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agent in addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents include ionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. The dosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive or substantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhere to the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto. Methods for using the dosage forms to provide sustained release of a flavoring agent and optionally deliver a second beneficial agent are also provided, as are methods for treating the common cold, treating a sore throat, facilitating weight loss, and assisting in smoking cessation.