Pacifier with thin-film reservoir and method for use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a pacifier and nipple member for delivery of active ingredients into the oral cavity of an infant or patient. The pacifier includes a porous nipple member and a base member adapted to remain outside the oral cavity of the infant. The porous nipple member includes at least one reservoir or chamber therein for receiving a thin-film containing an active ingredient. The base member may be removably attached to the neck of the nipple member, or the nipple and base members may form a single unit. Reusable and disposable forms are disclosed.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
   
   
       24 . A pacifier for delivering an active comprising:
 a porous nipple member comprising an inner surface, wherein said inner surface is in contiguous contact with a first reservoir and a second reservoir, said first reservoir comprising a retaining mechanism extending from said inner surface and having at least one unattached end; and   a dissolvable thin-film housed in said first reservoir comprising a first active, wherein said unattached end of said retaining mechanism is in contact with said thin-film.   
   
   
       25 . The pacifier of  claim 24 , further comprising a second film housed in said second reservoir comprising a second active. 
   
   
       26 . The pacifier of  claim 25 , wherein said first active and said second active are different. 
   
   
       27 . The pacifier according to  claim 24 , wherein said first active is selected from the group consisting of: pharmaceutical agents; cosmetic agents; drugs; medicaments; antidotes; vaccines; antigens or allergens; mouthwash components; flavors; fragrances; enzymes; preservatives; sweetening agents; colorants; spices; vitamins; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       28 . The pacifier according to  claim 25 , wherein said second active is selected from the group consisting of: pharmaceutical agents; cosmetic agents; drugs; medicaments; antidotes; vaccines; antigens or allergens; mouthwash components; flavors; fragrances; enzymes; preservatives; sweetening agents; colorants; spices; vitamins; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       29 . The pacifier according to  claim 24 , wherein said first active is selected from the group consisting of: aspirin; benzocaine; lidocaine; diphenhydramine; simethicone; vitamins; cold and cough medications; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       30 . The pacifier of  claim 24 , further comprising a liquid housed in said second reservoir. 
   
   
       31 . The pacifier of  claim 30 , wherein said liquid is water. 
   
   
       32 . The pacifier of  claim 24 , wherein said porous nipple member is translucent. 
   
   
       33 . A bottle nipple for delivering an active comprising:
 a porous nipple member comprising a nipple, a neck adapted to removably attach said porous nipple member to a baby bottle and a reservoir in contiguous contact with an inner wall of said porous nipple member; and   a dissolvable thin-film housed in said reservoir comprising an active and being held-in-place by a retaining mechanism,   
     wherein said retaining mechanism extends from said inner surface and has at least one unattached end. 
   
   
       34 . The bottle nipple according to  claim 33 , wherein said active is selected from the group consisting of: pharmaceutical agents; cosmetic agents; drugs; medicaments; antidotes; vaccines; antigens or allergens; mouthwash components; flavors; fragrances; enzymes; preservatives; sweetening agents; colorants; spices; vitamins; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       35 . The bottle nipple according to  claim 33 , wherein said active is selected from the group consisting of: aspirin; benzocaine; lidocaine; diphenhydramine; simethicone; vitamins; cold and cough medications; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       36 . The bottle nipple of  claim 33 , further comprising a second reservoir, wherein said second reservoir comprises water. 
   
   
       37 . The bottle nipple of  claim 33 , further comprising a second reservoir comprising a second dissolvable thin-film. 
   
   
       38 . A method for delivering an active to an infant, patient or animal in need thereof comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a dissolvable thin-film comprising an active;   (b) providing a porous nipple member comprising an inner surface, wherein said inner surface is in contiguous contact with a first reservoir and a second reservoir, said reservoirs comprising at least one retaining mechanism;   (c) inserting said dissolvable thin-film into said first reservoir;   (d) inserting a liquid into said second reservoir;   (e) orally administering said porous nipple member to an infant, patient or animal in need thereof; and   (f) permitting said an infant, patient or animal to suckle on said porous nipple member, wherein said liquid is released to facilitate in the dissolution of said dissolvable thin-film and allowing said active to be released into the oral cavity.   
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein said active is selected from the group consisting of: aspirin; benzocaine; lidocaine; diphenhydramine; simethicone; vitamins; cold and cough medications; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein said liquid is water.