| abstract |
The present invention provides novel compositions for the delivery of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) agonists through the oral mucosa. In particular, the buffer system in the composition of the present invention facilitates substantially complete conversion of the 5-HT agonist from an ionized form to a non-ionized form by raising the pH of saliva to a pH above about 9.9. To do. As a result, administration of 5-HT agonist is rapidly and efficiently absorbed by the oral mucosa. Furthermore, delivery of 5-HT agonists through the oral mucosa advantageously bypasses the hepatic first pass metabolism of the drug and avoids enzymatic degradation of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract. Also provided are methods of using the compositions of the invention to treat migraine. |