Development, formulation and optimization of polymer based films as buccal drug delivery systems

摘要

Solvent cast films containing paracetamol and ibuprofen have been developed and optimized as potential buccal drug delivery systems. Films were formulated by using different combinations of polymers (HPMC, CMC, and sodium alginate-SA), plasticizers (glycerol and polyethylene glycol) with the view to increasing their drug loading capacity. Various parameters such as amount of gel poured to achieve optimum thickness, hydration and drying temperature, polymer-plasticizer ratio, polymer-polymer ratio and drug loading were investigated. Films were also evaluated for surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), adhesivity using texture analyzer (TA), HPLC for total drug loading. Optimized films were selected on the basis of their appearance, brittleness, thickness, stickiness and ease of handling. Five formulations were selected for investigating drug loading. Finally formulations with maximum drug loading were selected for HPLC analysis. Maximum drug loading of 20.1 mg and 2.0 mg paracetamol and ibuprofen respectively per 10 cm~2 strip was achieved with combined film containing HPMC: CMC: GLY (3:3:1). 2.0 mg drug loading of ibuprofen per 10 cm~2 strip was also possible with films containing CMC: SA: GLY (1:1:1). The results show the potential for developing optimized films for delivery of drugs via the buccal mucosa.