The safety and efficacy of subgingivally-applied 2%
minocycline ointment was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind study of 103 adults with moderate to severe
periodontitis. Two groups were compared; one received the test
minocycline ointment and the other a vehicle control. Both groups had scaling and
root planing at baseline, after which the test or control
ointments were applied with an applicator into the
periodontal pockets at baseline, and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Assessment of clinical response was made by measuring probing depth and probing attachment level and gingival
bleeding. These measurements were made at baseline prior to scaling and
root planing, and at weeks 4 and 12. Microbiological assessment of the subgingival flora was carried out with
DNA probes at baseline, and at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12 to identify and quantify Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Subgingival
minocycline ointment resulted in statistically significantly greater reduction of P. gingivalis at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12; P. intermedia at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12; and A. actinomycetemcomitans at weeks 6 and 12. Probing depth reductions were seen for both groups at weeks 4 and 12; however, this reduction was statistically significantly greater in subjects treated with
minocycline ointment. Reduction in gingival index and probing attachment gain were seen in both groups, however, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)