An Adhesive Penicillin Ointment for Topical Application

The vehicle employed is of utmost importance. It must not be incompatible with or detrimental to the antibiotic, nor have any deleterious action upon the hard and soft tissues or restorations. It should not be toxic if swallowed. It must release the penicillin readily. It should be stable under ordinary circumstances, and be free from objectionable taste, odor, or staining. A viscous base which would adhere to the tissues and slowly release penicillin over a period of time would be advantageous. Schautz and Scrivner reported the use of penicillin mixed with a denture adhesive powder8 for this purpose. The principal ingredient of most denture adhesive powders is Karaya gum. Carboxymethyl cellulose is a substance of similar nature and properties. Being a synthetic product, it is more uniform than Karaya gum, and may be rendered sterile.