| abstract |
A drug dosage form is provided in the form of a solid tablet that is greater than 50% by weight of the local anesthetic agent. The local anesthetic agent can be selected from the group consisting of an aminoamide, an amino ester, and a combination thereof. The drug tablet may be in the form of a mini-tablet that is greater than 70% by weight of drug, with the balance being excipient. For example, the anesthetic agent may include lidocaine, in a salt or base form, combined with binder and lubricating excipients. Implantable drug delivery devices are also provided including the tablets, for example, one or more of the drug tablets may be contained in a biocompatible housing. The drug tablets can be substantially cylindrical with flat-end faces, and the device can have 10 to 100 drug tablets aligned in the housing with the flat-end faces of adjacent tablets supporting each other. |