THERAPEUTIC AGENT DELIVERY COMPOSITIONS FOR BUCCAL CAVITY ABSORPTION OF PILOCARPINE

摘要

A therapeutic agent delivery composition containing a functional buffer system for facilitating absorption of pilocarpine in the buccal cavity. More particularly, the composition is used to raise the pH of the buccal cavity so that the pilocarpine agent is delivered in a lipophilic form capable of crossing the buccal membrane. The delivery composition raises the pH of the buccal cavity through the implementation of a buffer system, which comprises a combination of two or more buffer agents. The agents of the buffer system are combined in a manner where the stronger basic agent is at relatively larger levels than that of a corresponding weaker base. The delivery composition may be administered as a chewing gum, where the pilocarpine is effectively absorbed in about 5 minutes after the onset of chewing. In addition, a pharmacologically effective concentration of pilocarpine is maintained in the bloodstream for at least 20 minutes such that composition provides relief from the pain and dry mouth caused by xerostomia, mucositis, or stomatotitis.