Abstract: A device and method for the oral transmucosal delivery of active substances to the oral cavity utilizing an unplasticized polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer (PVP) as the primary mucoadhesive. The device is applied and adheres to the mucosa of the oral cavity without causing side effects or leaving an unpleasant taste. Preferably the device is a bilayer tablet having a mucoadhesive layer and an overlying active substance containing layer. The mucoadhesive layer may contain PVP as the only adhesive or may be combined with other hydrophilic polymeric substances. The active layer also contains a hydrophilic polymer carrier. The layers in the device dissolve and release the active substance to the oral cavity and is particularly adapted for the delivery of substances active in the oral cavity such as breath fresheners and substances to combat dry mouth. It is also useful for the delivery of ionic drugs such as peptides.

Abstract: A device and method for the oral transmucosal delivery of active substances to the oral cavity utilizing an unplasticized polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer (PVP) as the primary mucoadhesive. The device is applied and adheres to the mucosa of the oral cavity without causing side effects or leaving an unpleasant taste. Preferably the device is a bilayer tablet having a mucoadhesive layer and an overlying active substance containing layer. The mucoadhesive layer may contain PVP as the only adhesive or may be combined with other hydrophilic polymeric substances. The active layer also contains a hydrophilic polymer carrier. The layers in the device dissolve and release the active substance to the oral cavity and is particularly adapted for the delivery of substances active in the oral cavity such as breath fresheners and substances to combat dry mouth. It is also useful for the delivery of ionic drugs such as peptides.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthalmia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthalmia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric delivery system which is formed by a polycarbophil type composition with an active agent, optionally in the presence of water and/or other cosolvent. The resulting product is especially useful as a carrier or coating of active compositions, such as pharmaceuticals and the like. The composition is also useful for the controlled or sustained release of active agents that are drugs, cosmetic agents, household agents, agricultural agents, industrial chemical agents and nutritional agents. A composition and method for the treatment of xerostomia is also disclosed, comprising polycarbophil in the form of an article having a shape suitable for insertion into the mouth.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthaimia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for suppressing appetite comprising administering by mouth to a subject an amount of polycarbophil that is effective to suppress the appetite of the subject without inducing a laxative effect in said subject.

Abstract: A polymeric complex composition comprising a reaction complex formed by the interaction of a polycarbophil component with alginic acid or a salt thereof, said interaction being performed in the presence of a divalent cation and in the presence of an active agent selected from the group consisting of medicinal agents and cosmetic agents. There is also described a method of controlled release treatment comprising the steps of providing such a polymeric complex and an effective amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of medicinal agents and cosmetic agents contained within said complex, and contacting an area of skin or mucous membrane to be treated with said composition for a sufficient period of time allow a therapeutically effective amount of said active agent to be released from the complex.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions comprising calcium polycarbophil and an active agent selected from the group consisting of medicinal agents, breath fresheners, and flavors, and a method of controlled release of such an active agent.