Formulation and evaluation of matrix type mucoadhesive tablets aimed at treating oral aphtha

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are administered for pain relief from oral mucositis. However, the systemic administration of NSAIDs is limited due to the side effects of thrombocytopenia.

To avoid systemic side effects, a matrix type mucoadhesive tablet as a topical application preparation to treat oral aphtha was developed.

A mixture of hard fat with a low irritant property and mucoadhesive polymers was used as the matrix base, and indomethacin was used as a model drug.

Among the water-soluble polymers, carbopol and xanthan gum increased the adhesive force of tablets prepared by the suspending method, but the tensile strength was not increased. Tablets containing ethylcellulose 10 or 45 (EC10, EC45) from a water-insoluble polymer increased the adhesive force and tensile strength. Tablets prepared by the dissolve-drying method containing EC45 showed a 1.8-fold increase of adhesiveness to the eggshell membrane compared with hard fat tablets, and showed a sustained release of the drug (17%) over an 8 h period. The drug release was increased to 28% by a modification to the dissolve-drying method using EC10.

Since this matrix type tablet has long-acting properties, adhesiveness and low irritating properties, its potential as a newly designed preparation to treat oral aphtha is suggested.