Novel buccal adhesive system for anti-hypertensive agent nimodipine

Novel buccal adhesive system (NBAS) containing Nimodipine (N) was prepared and evaluated by different parameters such as weight uniformity, thickness, hardness, surface pH, swelling index, mucoadhesive strength (MS), in vitro drug release and ex vivo drug permeation. Different formulations containing 5-20% Carbopol 934 (CP) and SCMC HV in sustained release part and sodium alginate:chitosan lactate in different ratios (1:1, 2:1, 1:2, and 3:1) in fast release part were prepared and tested. NBAS containing CP 5% and SCMC HV and sodium alginate: chitosan lactate 1:1 was selected as a suitable formula based on the (MS) and the release profile. Compared to the conventional buccal adhesive tablet, NBAS showed an effective controlled release pattern with faster release at the initial period. The mechanism of N release was found to be by non-fickian diffusion, followed first order release kinetics. It can be considered that NBAS is a superior, novel system that overcomes the drawback associated with the conventional buccal adhesive tablet.