A controlled release pilocarpine buccal insert in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of a novel hydrogel polymer buccal insert containing 5 mg pilocarpine in releasing the pilocarpine in a controlled fashion over a three hour period, and to assess the effects of this on quantitative tear and saliva production and the acceptability of the insert to the patient.


METHODS
This was an open, uncontrolled pilot study for which Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to starting. Hydrogel buccal inserts containing 5 mg pilocarpine were used three times a day for seven days.


METHODS
The Department of Oral Medicine, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School.


METHODS
Eight patients with Sjögren's syndrome.


METHODS
Changes over baseline in (1) Schirmer test, (2) whole saliva flow rate, (3) oral comfort score (VAS), (4) ocular comfort score (VAS), (5) patient acceptability.


RESULTS
The buccal inserts successfully released in excess of 85% of their 5 mg pilocarpine load over three hours. There was a general improvement in oral and ocular comfort scores assessed by visual linear analogue scale, and saliva and tear production generally increased. The inserts were well tolerated by all patients except one (who wore dentures). Adverse events were few and none was serious.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel form of buccal pilocarpine delivery demonstrated potential for use in treating patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
Gibson
J
J
Dundee Dental Hospital & School, Park Place, Dundee, UK. john.gibson2@nhs.net
Halliday
J A
JA
Ewert
K
K
Robertson
S
S
D000278:Administration, Buccal; D000368:Aged; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012472:Salivation / Q000187:drug effects; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013666:Tears / Q000187:drug effects
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists; D010862:Pilocarpine