Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of the buccal bioadhesive properties of slow-release tablets containing miconazole nitrate

Design and in vitro effectiveness evaluation of Echium amoenum extract loaded in bioadhesive phospholipid vesicles tailored for mucosal delivery

The Echium amoenum Fisch. and C.A. Mey. (E. amoenum) is an herb native from Iranian shrub, and its blue-violet flowers are traditionally used as medical plants. In the present study, an antioxidant phytocomplex was extracted from the flowers of E. amoenum by ultrasounds-assisted hydroalcoholic maceration. The main components, contained in the extract, have been detected using HPLC-DAD, and rosmarinic acid was found to be the most abundant. The antioxidant power of the extract along with the phenolic content were measured using colorimetric assays. The extract was loaded in liposomes, which were enriched adding different bioadhesive polymers (i.e., mucin, xanthan gum and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt) individually or in combination. The main physico-chemical properties (i.e. size, size distribution, surface charge) of the prepared vesicles were measured as well as their stability on storage. The viscosity of dispersion and the ability of vesicles to interact with mucus were evaluated measuring their stability in a mucin dispersion and mobility in a mucin film. The biocompatibility and the ability of the formulations to protect keratinocytes from damages caused by hydrogen peroxide and to promote the cell migration were measured in vitro.

Recent Trends in Assessment of Cellulose Derivatives in Designing Novel and Nanoparticulate-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Improvement of Oral Health

Natural polymers are revolutionizing current pharmaceutical dosage forms design as excipient and gained huge importance because of significant influence in formulation development and drug delivery. Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew. Since years, biopolymers stand out due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and stability. Polysaccharides such as cellulose and their derivatives possess properties like novel mechanical robustness and hydrophilicity that can be easily fabricated into controlled-release dosage forms. Cellulose attracts the dosage design attention because of constant drug release rate from the precursor nanoparticles. This review discusses the origin, extraction, preparation of cellulose derivatives and their use in formulation development of nanoparticles having multidisciplinary applications as pharmaceutical excipient and in drug delivery, as bacterial and plant cellulose have great potential for application in the biomedical area, including dentistry, protein and peptide delivery, colorectal cancer treatment, and in 3D printable dosage forms.

Polymer-Based Carriers in Dental Local Healing-Review and Future Challenges

Polymers in drug formulation technology and the engineering of biomaterials for the treatment of oral diseases constitute a group of excipients that often possess additional properties in addition to their primary function, i.e., biological activity, sensitivity to stimuli, mucoadhesive properties, improved penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) across biological barriers, and effects on wound healing or gingival and bone tissue regeneration. Through the use of multifunctional polymers, it has become possible to design carriers and materials tailored to the specific conditions and site of application, to deliver the active substance directly to the affected tissue, including intra-periodontal pocket delivery, and to release the active substance in a timed manner, allowing for the improvement of the form of application and further development of therapeutic strategies. The scope of this review is polymeric drug carriers and materials developed from selected multifunctional groups of natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers for topical therapeutic applications. Moreover, the characteristics of the topical application and the needs for the properties of carriers for topical administration of an active substance in the treatment of oral diseases are presented to more understand the difficulties associated with the design of optimal active substance carriers and materials for the treatment of lesions located in the oral cavity.

Hypromellose - A traditional pharmaceutical excipient with modern applications in oral and oromucosal drug delivery

Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), also known as Hypromellose, is a traditional pharmaceutical excipient widely exploited in oral sustained drug release matrix systems. The choice of numerous viscosity grades and molecular weights available from different manufacturers provides a great variability in its physical-chemical properties and is a basis for its broad successful application in pharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing. The excellent mucoadhesive properties of HPMC predetermine its use in oromucosal delivery systems including mucoadhesive tablets and films. HPMC also possesses desirable properties for formulating amorphous solid dispersions increasing the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Printability and electrospinnability of HPMC are promising features for its application in 3D printed drug products and nanofiber-based drug delivery systems. Nanoparticle-based formulations are extensively explored as antigen and protein carriers for the formulation of oral vaccines, and oral delivery of biologicals including insulin, respectively. HPMC, being a traditional pharmaceutical excipient, has an irreplaceable role in the development of new pharmaceutical technologies, and new drug products leading to continuous manufacturing processes, and personalized medicine. This review firstly provides information on the physical-chemical properties of HPMC and a comprehensive overview of its application in traditional oral drug formulations. Secondly, this review focuses on the application of HPMC in modern pharmaceutical technologies including spray drying, hot-melt extrusion, 3D printing, nanoprecipitation and electrospinning leading to the formulation of printlets, nanoparticle-, microparticle-, and nanofiber-based delivery systems for oral and oromucosal application. Hypromellose is an excellent excipient for formulation of classical dosage forms and advanced drug delivery systems. New methods of hypromellose processing include spray draying, hot-melt extrusion, 3D printing, and electrospinning.

Pharmaceutical Applications of Cellulose Ethers and Cellulose Ether Esters

Cellulose ethers have proven to be highly useful natural-based polymers, finding application in areas including food, personal care products, oil field chemicals, construction, paper, adhesives, and textiles. They have particular value in pharmaceutical applications due to characteristics including high glass transition temperatures, high chemical and photochemical stability, solubility, limited crystallinity, hydrogen bonding capability, and low toxicity. With regard to toxicity, cellulose ethers have essentially no ability to permeate through gastrointestinal enterocytes and many are already in formulations approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We review pharmaceutical applications of these valuable polymers from a structure-property-function perspective, discussing each important commercial cellulose ether class; carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, and cellulose ether esters including hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate and carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate. We also summarize their syntheses, basic material properties, and key pharmaceutical applications.

Potential Use of Alginate-Based Carriers As Antifungal Delivery System

Fungal infections have become a major public health problem, growing in number and severity in recent decades due to an increase of immunocompromised patients. The use of therapeutic agents available to treat these fungal infections is limited by their toxicity, low bioavailability, antifungal resistance, and high cost of treatment. Thus, it becomes extremely important to search for new therapeutic options. The use of polymeric systems as drug carriers has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional formulations for antifungals. Alginate is a natural polymer that has been explored in the last decade for development of drug delivery systems due to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cost, mucoadhesive, and non-immunogenic properties. Several antifungal agents have been incorporated in alginate-based delivery systems, including micro and nanoparticles, with great success, displaying promising in vitro and in vivo results for antifungal activities, reduction in the toxicity and the total drug dose used in the treatment, and improved bioavailability. This review aims at discussing the potential use and benefits of alginate-based nanocarriers and other delivery systems containing antifungal agents in the therapy of fungal infections.

Design and Characterization of Buccoadhesive Liquisolid System of an Antihypertensive Drug

Nifedipine is an antihypertensive BCS class II drug which has poor bioavailability when given orally. The objective of the present study was to increase the bioavailability of nifedipine, by formulation and evaluation of a buccoadhesive liquisolid system using magnesium aluminium silicate (Neusilin) as both carrier and coating material and dissolution media were selected based on the solubility studies. A mixture of carboxymethylcellulose sodium and carbomer was used as mucoadhesive polymers. Buccoadhesive tablets were prepared by direct compression. FTIR studies confirmed no interaction between drug and excipients. XRD studies indicated change/reduction in crystallinity of drug. The powder characteristics were evaluated by different flow parameters to comply with pharmacopoeial specifications. The dissolution studies for liquisolid compacts and tablet formulations were carried out and it was found that nifedipine liquisolid tablets formulated from bioadhesive polymers containing 49% liquisolid system, 17.5% carbomer, and 7.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium showed the best results in terms of dissolution properties. Prepared formulation batches were evaluated for swelling, bioadhesion strength, ex vivo residence time, and permeability studies. The optimized batch was showing promising features of the system. Formulating nifedipine as a buccoadhesive tablet allows reduction in dose and offers better control over the plasma levels.

Bioadhesive okra polymer based buccal patches as platform for controlled drug delivery

In the present investigation, polysaccharide from the Okra fruits (Hibiscus esculentus) was extracted, characterized and explored for its mucoadhesive potential. Mucoadhesive films of okra polymer (OP) were prepared by solvent casting method based on 3(2) factorial design. For these studies, OP (2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, w/v) and glycerol (plasticizer) (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, v/v) were taken as independent variables while tensile strength, mucoadhesive strength, contact angle, swelling index and residence time as dependent variables. The developed films were evaluated for their physicochemical, mechanical and electrical properties. The formulated films were found to be smooth, flexible, and displayed adequate mucoadhesive and tensile strength. Their near neutral pH and negative hemolytic studies indicated their non-irritability and biocompatible nature with biological tissues. The formulation comprising of 3% OP and 0.5% glycerol (F8) was found to exhibit optimum mechanical properties. Further, optimized film was loaded with zolmitriptan (model drug) to determine its drug release profiles. In vitro and ex vivo drug release studies demonstrated a controlled release of zolmitriptan over a period of 8h in simulated salivary fluid (SSF) pH 6.8, with the correlation coefficient values indicating its non-Fickian kinetics. Thus, OP can be used as a promising biomaterial for controlled drug delivery.

Mucoadhesive hydrogel films of econazole nitrate: formulation and optimization using factorial design

The mucoadhesive hydrogel film was prepared and optimized for the purpose of local drug delivery to oral cavity for the treatment of oral Candidiasis. The mucoadhesive hydrogel film was prepared with the poly(vinyl alcohol) by freeze/thaw crosslinking technique. 3(2) full factorial design was employed to optimize the formulation. Number of freeze/thaw cycles (4, 6, and 8 cycles) and the concentration of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (10, 15, and 20%) were used as the independent variables whereas time required for 50% drug release, cumulative percent of drug release at 8th hour, and "k" of zero order equation were used as the dependent variables. The films were evaluated for mucoadhesive strength, in vitro residence time, swelling study, in vitro drug release, and effectiveness against Candida albicans. The concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol) and the number of freeze/thaw cycles both decrease the drug release rate. Mucoadhesive hydrogel film with 15% poly(vinyl alcohol) and 7 freeze/thaw cycles was optimized. The optimized batch exhibited the sustained release of drug and the antifungal studies revealed that the drug released from the film could inhibit the growth of Candida albicans for 12 hours.

Influence of processing parameters and formulation factors on the bioadhesive, temperature stability and drug release properties of hot-melt extruded films containing miconazole

This study investigated the processing parameters and formulation factors on the bioadhesive properties, temperature stability properties, and drug release properties of miconazole in PolyOx® and Klucel® matrix systems produced by Hot-melt Extrusion (HME) technology. Miconazole incorporated into these matrix systems were found to be stable for 8 months by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The addition of miconazole increased area under the curve (AUC) at contact time intervals of 30 and 60 sec, while the bioadhesion decreased with an increase in processing temperatures. The release profiles suggest that a sustained release of miconazole was observed from all of the tested HME film formulations for approximately 10 h. The release from the optimal HME film extruded at 205°C was found to be significantly different than that extruded at 190°C. Therefore, this matrix system may address the present shortcomings of currently available therapy for oral and pharyngeal candidiasis.

Preparation of multiple-unit floating-bioadhesive cooperative minitablets for improving the oral bioavailability of famotidine in rats

Abstract The aims of this study were to prepare fine famotidine-containing floating-bioadhesive cooperative minitablets and to investigate the possibility of using those minitablets as a delivery system for promoting the oral bioavailability of famotidine. Nine minitablet formulations were designed using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K4M) as release-retarding polymers, Carbopol 971P as bioadhesive materials and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as gas formers. The prepared 3 ± 0.02 mm minitablets were evaluated in terms of their swelling ability, floating behavior, bioadhesion test and in vitro release. The optimized minitablets (F6) containing HPMC K4M (50.00%, w/w), Carbopol 971P (10.00%, w/w) and NaHCO3 (10.00%, w/w) were found to float in 1 min and remain lastingly buoyant over a period of 8 h in vitro, with excellent bioadhesive properties (20.81 g) and sustained drug release characteristics (T50% = 46.54%) followed one-order model. In addition, plasma concentration-time profiles from pharmacokinetic studies in rats dosed with minitablets showed 1.62-fold (p < 0.05) increased absorption of famotidine, compared to the market tablets XinFaDing®. These studies demonstrated that the multiple-unit floating-bioadhesive cooperative minitablets may be a promising gastro-retentive delivery system for drugs that play a therapeutic role in the stomach.

Effect of Polymeric Combinations on Mucoadhesive and Swelling Properties of Orabase Gel Formulations

Topical oral dosage form for anti-inflammation in the oral cavity provides convenience and patient compliance. Formulations of orabase gels composed of poloxamer 407, PVP, PVA, SCMC and/or white petrolatum (WP) and hydrocarbon gel (HG) were investigated for in vitro swelling and mucoadhesion for incorporation of melatonin. The highest detachment time of 18 h with an optimized swelling ratio of 1.3 was obtained from a gel with 55% of WP and HG in the presence of poloxamer 407 and PVP 90. In conclusion, an optimum balancing ratio between hydrocarbons and bioadhesive polymer parts is required to obtain mucoadhesive characteristics of the oral gel.

Preparation of highly porous gastroretentive metformin tablets using a sublimation method

The present investigation is aimed to formulate floating gastroretentive tablets containing metformin using a sublimation material. In this study, the release of the drug from a matrix tablet was highly dependent on the polymer concentrations. In all formulations, initial rapid drug release was observed, possibly due to the properties of the drug and polymer. The effect of the amount of PEO on swelling and eroding of the tablets was determined. The water-uptake and erosion behavior of the gastroretentive (GR) tablets were highly dependent on the amount of PEO. The water-uptake increased with increasing PEO concentration in the tablet matrix. The weight loss from tablets decreased with increasing amounts of PEO. Camphor was used as the sublimation material to prepare GR tablets that are low-density and easily floatable. Camphor was changed to pores in the tablet during the sublimation process. SEM revealed that the GR tablets have a highly porous morphology. Floating properties of tablets and tablet density were affected by the sublimation of camphor. Prepared floating gastroretentive tablets floated for over 24 h and had no floating lag time. However, as the amount of camphor in the tablet matrix increased, the crushing strength of the tablet decreased after sublimation. Release profiles of the drug from the GR tablets were not affected by tablet density or porosity. In pharmacokinetic studies, the mean plasma concentration of the GR tablets after oral administration was greater than the concentration of glucophase XR. Also, the mean AUC(0-∞) values for the GR tablets were significantly greater than the plasma concentrations of glucophase XR.

Development and in vivo evaluation of gastroretentive delivery systems for cefuroxime axetil

The purpose of this investigation was to design and develop gastroretentive dosage form for cefuroxime axetil using floating tablet approach with various grades of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Cefuroxime axetil is known to have low bioavailability, short half-life and is absorbed largely from upper GIT. Sodium bicarbonate was used in the dosage form as a source of carbon-di-oxide to maintain buoyancy. In vitro dissolution study results indicated non-Fickian diffusion controlled drug release mechanism and was best fitted into Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. In vivo radiographic studies conducted in five healthy human volunteers for optimized formulation indicated over 6 h retention of tablet in the stomach region. Reproducible physical parameters indicated that the current formulation could be easily scaled-up.

New developments and opportunities in oral mucosal drug delivery for local and systemic disease

The oral mucosa's accessibility, excellent blood supply, by-pass of hepatic first-pass metabolism, rapid repair and permeability profile make it an attractive site for local and systemic drug delivery. Technological advances in mucoadhesives, sustained drug release, permeability enhancers and drug delivery vectors are increasing the efficient delivery of drugs to treat oral and systemic diseases. When treating oral diseases, these advances result in enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced drug wastage and the prospect of using biological agents such as genes, peptides and antibodies. These technologies are also increasing the repertoire of drugs that can be delivered across the oral mucosa to treat systemic diseases. Trans-mucosal delivery is now a favoured route for non-parenteral administration of emergency drugs and agents where a rapid onset of action is required. Furthermore, advances in drug delivery technology are bringing forward the likelihood of transmucosal systemic delivery of biological agents.

Preparation and solid-state characterization of ball milled saquinavir mesylate for solubility enhancement

Saquinavir is an anti-retroviral drug with very low oral bioavailability (e.g. 0.7-4.0%) due to its affinity toward efflux transporters (P-gp) and metabolic enzymes (CYP3A4). The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of high-energy ball milling on saquinavir solid-state characteristics and aqueous solubility for the design of effective buccal drug delivery systems. The solubility of saquinavir mesylate was evaluated in simulated saliva before and after milling for 1, 3, 15, 30, 50, and 60 h. To elucidate changes in crystallinity and long-range structure in the drug, analyses of the milled powders were performed using XRD, ATR-IR, DSC/TGA, BET surface area, EDX and SEM. In addition, the effects of milling time on saquinavir solubility were statistically correlated using repeated measures ANOVA. Results of this study indicate that the milling of saquinavir mesylate produces nanoporous particles with unique surface structures, thermal properties, and increased aqueous solubility. Optimal milling time occurred at 3h and corresponded to a 9-fold solubility enhancement in simulated saliva. Thermal analysis revealed only a slight decrease in melting point (T(m)) from 242 °C to 236 °C after 60 h milling. XRD diffractograms indicate a gradual crystalline-to-amorphous transition with some residual crystallinity remaining after 60 h milling time. Unstable polymorphic structures appeared between 15 and 30 h which were converted to more stable isomorphs at 60 h. Aggregate formation also seems to occur after 15 h but no metal contamination of the drug was observed during the milling process as determined by EDX analysis. In conclusion, high-energy ball milling may be a method of choice for improving the solubility of saquinavir and facilitating novel drug formulations design.

Development of Buccal Adhesive Tablet with Prolonged Antifungal activity: Optimization and ex vivo Deposition Studies

The purpose of the present work was to prepare buccal adhesive tablets of miconazole nitrate. The simplex centroid experimental design was used to arrive at optimum ratio of carbopol 934P, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M and polyvinylpyrollidone, which will provide desired drug release and mucoadhesion. Swelling index, mucoadhesive strength and in vitro drug release of the prepared tablet was determined. The drug release and bioadhesion was dependent on type and relative amounts of the polymers. The optimized combination was subjected to in vitro antifungal activity, transmucosal permeation, drug deposition in mucosa, residence time and bioadhesion studies. IR spectroscopy was used to investigate any interaction between drug and excipients. Dissolution of miconazole from tablets was sustained for 6 h. based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the prepared slow release buccoadhesive tablets of miconazole would markedly prolong the duration of antifungal activity. Comparison of in vitro antifungal activity of tablet with marketed gel showed that drug concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration were achieved immediately from both formulations but release from tablet was sustained up to 6 h, while the gel showed initially fast drug release, which did not sustain later. Drug permeation across buccal mucosa was minimum from the tablet as well as marketed gel; the deposition of drug in mucosa was higher in case of tablet. In vitro residence time and bioadhesive strength of tablet was higher than gel. Thus the buccoadhesive tablet of miconazole nitrate may offer better control of antifungal activity as compared to the gel formulation.

Carbopol 934-Sodium Alginate-Gelatin Mucoadhesive Ondansetron Tablets for Buccal Delivery: Effect of pH Modifiers

The present work aims at developing mucoahesive tablets of ondansetron hydrochloride using bioadhesive polymers like carbopol-934, sodium alginate and gelatin. Tablets prepared by direct compression using different polymer with varying ratio were evaluated for hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, disintegration time, microenvironmental pH, bioadhesion and in vitro release. Hardness, friability disintegration time and drug release were found within pharmacopoeial limit. Microenvironmental pH decreased whereas bioadhesive strength, water uptake, and in vitro release increased with increase in carbopol-934. Increasing sodium alginate and gelatin increased the microenviromental pH and decreased bioadhesive strength, water uptake and in vitro release. With a view to investigate the modulation of drug release from formulation by addition of pH modifiers viz. citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, the tablets with carbopol-934 (2.0), sodium alginate (0.5) and gelatin (6.5) were used and the effect of pH modifiers on microenvironmental pH, bioadhesion, water uptake, in vitro permeation and in vitro release was studied. Microenvironmental pH, bioadhesive strength, water uptake, in vitro release and permeation decreased with increasing concentration of citric acid whereas microenvironmental pH, water uptake and release were enhanced and bioadhesive strength was lowered with increase in sodium bicarbonate. Present study demonstrates carbopol-934, sodium alginate, gelatin polymer system with added pH modifier can be successfully formulated for buccal delivery of ondansetron with desired release profile.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of buccal bioadhesive films containing salbutamol sulphate

The aim of present study was to prepare and evaluate buccal bioadhesive films of salbutamol sulphate (SS) for the treatment of asthma. The films were designed to release the drug for a prolonged period of time so as to reduce the frequency of administration of the available conventional dosage forms of SS. The different proportions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and Carbopol 940P (CP 940P) were used for the preparation of films. Carbopol was used to incorporate the desired bioadhesiveness in the films. The films were prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for bioadhesion, in vitro drug release and anti asthmatic effect (bronchoprotection) in histamine induced bronchospasm of guinea pigs. In vitro drug release from the film was determined using a modified Franz diffusion cell while bioadhesiveness was evaluated with a modified two-arm balance using guinea pig buccal mucosa as a model tissue. Films containing SCMC : CP 940P ratio of 76 : 24 was found to be the best with moderate swelling along with favorable bioadhesion force and in vitro drug release. The drug release mechanism was found to follow non-Fickian diffusion as release mechanism. The prolonged in vivo effect (bronchoprotection) obtained from the buccal bioadhesive film of SS administered via buccal route may improve the treatment of asthmatic disorders by reducing the frequency of administration which is associated with the tolerance effect of SS. Additionally for the clinical benefit, it is also expected to reduce the major adverse effects of SS such as tachycardia and arrhythmias via buccal absorption.

Egg shell membrane as a substrate for optimizing in vitro transbuccal delivery of glipizide

Buccoadhesive gels for transbuccal delivery of glipizide were prepared using different bio-adhesive polymers. The gels were prepared by solution polymerization technique. An apparatus simulating the in vivo conditions of the mouth was designed in order to assess in vitro drug release kinetics of these gels. The gels were also evaluated for spreadability, buccoadhesive strength, swelling index, and viscosity. Maximum buccoadhesive strength was observed for formulation, F8 with good sustained release behavior, whereas viscosity and swelling index was highest for the formulation, F5 but with minimum buccoadhesive strength. The drug release kinetics followed Higuchi model with release mechanism being Fickian diffusion.

Polymers for mucoadhesive drug delivery system: a current status

To overcome the relatively short gastrointestinal (GI) time and improve localization for oral controlled or sustained release drug delivery systems, bioadhesive polymers that adhere to the mucin/epithelial surface are effective and lead to significant improvement in oral drug delivery. Improvements are also expected for other mucus-covered sites of drug administration. Bioadhesive polymers find application in the eye, nose, and vaginal cavity as well as in the GI tract, including the buccal cavity and rectum. This article lays emphasis mainly on mucoadhesive polymers, their properties, and their applications in buccal, ocular, nasal, and vaginal drug delivery systems with its evaluation methods.

Formulation and evaluation of swellable and floating gastroretentive ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets

Drugs that have narrow absorption window in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) will have poor absorption. For these drugs, gastroretentive drug delivery systems offer the advantage in prolonging the gastric emptying time. Swellable, floating, and sustained release tablets are developed by using a combination of hydrophilic polymer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), swelling agents (crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, and croscarmelose sodium) and effervescent substance (sodium bicarbonate). Formulations are evaluated for percentage swelling, in vitro drug release, floating lag time, total duration of floating, and mean residence time (MRT) in the stomach. The drug release of optimized formulation follows the Higuchi kinetic model, and the mechanism is found to be non-Fickian/anomalous according to Krosmeyer-Peppas (n value is 0.68). The similarity factor (f (2)) is found to be 26.17 for the optimized formulation, which the release is not similar to that of marketed produced (CIFRAN OD). In vivo nature of the tablet at different time intervals is observed in the radiographic pictures of the healthy volunteers and MRT in the stomach is found to be 320 +/- 48.99 min (n = 6). A combination of HPMC K100M, crospovidone, and sodium carbonate shows the good swelling, drug release, and floating characters than the CIFRAN OD.

Bioadhesive ranitidine hydrochloride for gastroretention with controlled microenvironmental pH

Ranitidine hydrochloride is a H(2) receptor blocker used in the treatment of gastric ulcers. Pharmacological factors, in addition to the dosage regimen, favor development of a sustained-release system for ranitidine especially in the therapeutic condition of erosive esophagitis. This investigation delves into the development of bioadhesive type of gastroretentive formulation (tablets) of ranitidine. The effect of mucoadhesive polymers such as Carbopol, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and dextrose were studied. Mucoadhesion, in vitro drug release profile, water uptake, and swelling of the tablet were evaluated. Alkalizing agents were incorporated in an attempt to maintain an alkaline microenvironment within the tablet and improve the stability of the drug in acidic medium. The stability was evaluated using dye test and degradation studies. The drug release profiles were fit into various kinetic models.

Preparation and evaluation of buccal bioadhesive films containing clotrimazole

Buccal bioadhesive films, releasing topical drugs in the oral cavity at a slow and predetermined rate, provide distinct advantages over traditional dosage forms. The aim of present study was to prepare and evaluate buccal bioadhesive films of clotrimazole for oral candidiasis. The film was designed to release the drug at a concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration for a prolonged period of time so as to reduce the frequency of administration of the available conventional dosage forms. The different proportions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and carbopol 974P (CP 974P) were used for the preparation of films. Carbopol was used to incorporate the desired bioadhesiveness in the films. The films were prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for bioadhesion, in vitro drug release and effectiveness against Candida albicans. In vitro drug release from the film was determined using a modified Franz diffusion cell while bioadhesiveness was evaluated with a modified two-arm balance using rabbit intestinal mucosa as a model tissue. Films containing 5% CP 974P of the total polymer were found to be the best with moderate swelling along with favorable bioadhesion force, residence time and in vitro drug release. The microbiological studies revealed that drug released from the film could inhibit the growth of C. albicans for 6 h. The drug release mechanism was found to follow non-Fickian diffusion.

Novel sustained release, swellable and bioadhesive gastroretentive drug delivery system for ofloxacin

Oral sustained release gastroretentive dosage forms offer many advantages for drugs having absorption from upper gastrointestinal tract and improve the bioavailability of medications that are characterized by a narrow absorption window. A new gastroretentive sustained release delivery system was developed with floating, swellable and bioadhesive properties. All these properties were optimized and evaluated. Various release retarding polymers like psyllium husk, HPMC K100M and a swelling agent, crosspovidone in combinations were tried and optimized to get the release profile for 24 h. Formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release profile, swelling characteristics and in vitro bioadhesion property. The in vitro drug release followed Higuchi kinetics and the drug release mechanism was found to be of anomalous or non-Fickian type. For the developed formulation, the value of n was found to be 0.5766 while for the marketed formulation the value was 0.5718 indicating the anomalous transport. The high water uptake leading to higher swelling of the tablet supported the anomalous release mechanism of ofloxacin. The similarity factor f2 was found to be 91.12 for the developed formulation indicating the release was similar to that of the marketed formulation (Zanocin OD). The swelling properties were increased with increasing crosspovidone concentration and contributed significantly in drug release from the tablet matrix. The bioadhesive property of the developed formulation was found to be significant (P < 0.005) in combination as compared to HPMC K100M and psyllium husk alone.

The physicodynamic properties of mucoadhesive polymeric films developed as female controlled drug delivery system

To develop an efficient female controlled drug delivery system (FcDDS) against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the polymeric films containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were prepared with various compositions of Carbopol 934P, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The physicochemical properties of mucoadhesive polymeric films, such as tensile strength, contact angle, swelling ratio and erosion rate in a vaginal fluid stimulant (VFS), were characterized. In addition, the drug release profile of SDS from the films and mucosal residence time were evaluated using a simulated dynamic vaginal system. It was demonstrated that the films made of Carbopol, HPMC and PEG were colorless, thin and soft and had proper physicodynamic properties for FcDDS. An increase in Carbopol content elevated tensile strength and swelling ratio but decreased the contact angle, erosion rate and the SDS release rate from the films. The films containing 0.25% (w/v) PEG as well as 0.75% (w/v) of combining Carbopol and HPMC remained on the vaginal tissue for up to 6h. The films containing the ratio of Carbopol:HPMC:PEG=1.5:1.5:1 and 1:2:1 seem to be optimal compositions for FcDDS, as they showed good peelability, relatively high swelling index and moderate tensile strength, and achieved the target release rate of SDS for 6h.