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Transmucosal delivery of metformin- a comprehensive study
M Sushma, Y Prasanna Raju, C R Sundaresan
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy, Tirupati- 517102, India. kanishka9002@gmail.com.
Current Drug Delivery
|July 16, 2013
Summary
This study developed fast-dissolving metformin hydrochloride films for Type 2 diabetes management. The new films offer a quicker onset of action compared to traditional metformin formulations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Metformin hydrochloride is a primary treatment for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Conventional metformin absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is slow and incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fast-dissolving film of metformin hydrochloride for oral transmucosal administration.
- To enhance drug absorption by bypassing first-pass metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Fast-dissolving metformin films were prepared using the solvent casting method with Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K15 (HPMC).
- Formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics, drug content, disintegration, and in-vitro drug release.
- FTIR studies confirmed drug-excipient compatibility.
- Pharmacodynamic studies were conducted in diabetic rats.
Main Results:
- The optimized formulation (F4) exhibited excellent film-forming properties, with a disintegration time of 42 seconds and 94.2% drug release within 5 minutes.
- FTIR studies confirmed the compatibility between metformin hydrochloride and HPMC.
- Pharmacodynamic evaluation in diabetic rats showed a faster onset of action for the fast-dissolving films compared to conventional metformin.
Conclusions:
- Fast-dissolving metformin hydrochloride films offer a promising alternative for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
- Oral transmucosal administration via fast-dissolving films can improve metformin's pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic efficacy.
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