Alginate Hydrogel Formulation with Ketorolac for the Treatment of Pain Related Sialolithiasis

Sialolithiasis mainly affects the oral salivary glands due to the presence of small stones that obstruct the secretion of saliva. The treatment and control of pain and inflammation during the course of this pathology is essential to guarantee the patient's comfort. For this reason, a ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed, and it was then applied in the area of the buccal cavity. The formulation was characterized (swelling and degradation profile, extrusion, extensibility, surface morphology, viscosity, and drug release). The drug release was studied ex vivo in static Franz cells and with a dynamic ex vivo method under artificial saliva continuous flow. The product exhibits adequate physicochemical properties considering the intended purpose, and the drug concentrations retained in the mucosa were high enough to deliver a therapeutic local concentration able to reduce the pain associated with the patient's conditions. The results confirmed the suitability of the formulation for application in the mouth.

Automated summary

Sialolithiasis primarily affects the oral salivary glands due to obstruction from small stones, hindering saliva secretion. To ensure patient comfort, treatment and pain control are crucial in managing this condition. A ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed and applied in the buccal cavity, showing desirable physicochemical properties and high drug concentrations to alleviate pain. The formulation was found suitable for oral application based on ex vivo drug release studies.