Effects of 1% amitriptyline gel and mouthwash in patients with periodontal diseases via local drug delivery system: A randomized control clinical trial

Abstract

Amitriptyline, an agent universally used to treat depression, has an anti-inflammatory activity and a potential for lowering inflammatory mediators. Periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis if untreated contributes to gingival tissue destruction and bone resorption. These diseases are commonly treated with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics along with standard periodontal treatment. The aim of this experimental, observational and randomized clinical control trial was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of amitriptyline on clinical parameters and on inflammatory biomarkers in patients of periodontal diseases by developing 1% oral gel and mouthwash formulations. 30 patients participated in the study were grouped in three categories, patients received standard conventional treatment, patients received gel treatment for four weeks after standard treatment, patients received mouthwash for four weeks after standard periodontal treatment. Results showed that amitriptyline gel and mouthwash in 1% formulation showed promising results by significantly reducing periodontal parameters and inflammatory biomarkers (p≤0.001) as compared to standard treatment. Thus, we suggest that gel and mouthwash formulation of amitriptyline is highly efficacious in treating the periodontal diseases.