Formulation and evaluation of controlled release Eudragit buccal patches

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Buccal drug delivery offers an alternative route for systemic administration.
• Developing effective buccal patches requires careful selection of polymers to control drug release and ensure adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize controlled-release buccal patches using Eudragit NE40D.
• To evaluate the impact of different bioadhesive polymers on drug release and adhesion properties.
• To identify the most suitable bioadhesive polymer for metoprolol tartrate buccal delivery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of buccal patches using Eudragit NE40D and incorporating various hydrophilic polymers (hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Carbopol).
• In-vitro drug release studies using USP 23 dissolution apparatus.
• Bioadhesion evaluation using a texture analyzer with chicken pouch tissue.

Main Results:

• Hydrophilic polymers significantly influenced metoprolol tartrate release rates and enhanced patch bioadhesiveness.
• High viscosity polymers improved bioadhesion but led to non-uniform drug distribution and unpredictable release.
• Cekol 700 emerged as the most effective polymer for optimizing both drug release and bioadhesion.

Conclusions:

• Eudragit NE40D is a suitable matrix for controlled-release buccal patches.
• Polymer selection is critical for balancing drug release kinetics and bioadhesive strength.
• Cekol 700 shows significant promise for developing advanced buccal drug delivery systems.