Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering an ergot alkaloid into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an ergot alkaloid (14) and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the ergot alkaloid (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the ergot alkaloid (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of ergot alkaloid (14) remaining to be delivered.

Abstract: A method of treating inflammatory disease of the mouth by locally delivering beclomethasone dipropionate and related compounds to the oral cavity of a patient over an extended period of time is disclosed. In one embodiment, beclomethasone dipropionate is delivered by an osmotic device (10), in another embodiment, it is delivered by an erosion controlled device (110) and in yet another embodiment, it is delivered by a diffusion controlled device (310).

Abstract: This invention pertains to a sustained release delivery device for delivering a beneficial agent into the oral cavity of a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to a device comprising about 0.1% to about 20% by weight beneficial agent, about 40% to about 95% by weight ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of about 4% to about 80% and about 1% to about 60% by weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone.