Adhesive hydrogels having extended use lives and process for the preparation of same

A method of forming a non-stringy adhesive hydrophilic gel which comprises:

• preparing an aqueous mixture by adding at least one crosslinkable water-soluble polymer to water in an amount effective to provide a crosslinkable hydrophilic gel;
• adding at least one humectant in an amount of from 1 to 40 weight percent, said amount being effective to extend the moisture retaining characteristics of the gel and to inhibit the ability of radiant energy to crosslink said polymer;
• and
• adding a crosslinking promoter in an amount effective to counteract the crosslink inhibiting effect of the humectant;
• and
• exposing said aqueous mixture to a dose of radiant energy effective to provide a non-stringy adhesive cohesive homogeneous hydrophilic gel that (i) retains moisture for longer periods than a hydrogel prepared without said humectant and (ii) remains flexible after being stored at about 0.degree. F. for at least about 16 hours.

A hydrogel composition having adhesive and cohesive properties which is capable of transferring active agents contained in said hydrogel to a patient when said hydrogel composition is affixed to said patient, comprising:

• an aqueous mixture in at least one crosslinkable water soluble polymer in an amount effective to provide a crosslinkable hydrophilic gel;
• at least one humectant in an amount of from about 1 to 40 weight percent, said amount being effective to extend moisture retaining characteristics of the gel and to inhibit radiant energy from crosslinking said water soluble polymer;
• a crosslinking promoter in an amount effective to counteract crosslinking inhibitory effects of said humectant;
• and
• at least one active agent.

A method of providing a hydrogel composition containing at least one active agent comprising:

• providing an aqueous mixture of at least one crosslinkable water-soluble polymer in an amount effective to provide a crosslinkable hydrophilic gel;
• adding at least one humectant in an amount of from 1 to 40 weight percent, said amount being sufficient to extend moisture retaining characteristics of said gel and to inhibit radiant energy from crosslinking said polymer;
• adding a crosslinking promoter in an amount effective to counteract crosslinking inhibiting effects of said humectant;
• and
• exposing said mixture to radiant energy effective to provide a homogenous hydrophilic gel containing said active agent.