Development and evaluation of gastroretentive mucoadhesive microspheres of gabapentin

Epilepsy and neuropathic pain are two of the most prevalent neurological condition affecting millions of people worldwide, necessitating effective treatments like gabapentin. The purpose of this research was to develop and analyze gabapentin sustained-release mucoadhesive microspheres using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) as polymers. Using varying polymer ratios, gabapentin microspheres were produced by solvent evaporation technique. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the (DSC & IR spectroscopy), swelling index, percentage yield, content uniformity, particle size, in vitro release of drugs, mucoadhesion test of microspheres. With different polymer ratios, five formulations were created. The range of encapsulation efficiency was 82.95% to 97.75%. Formulation 5 (Gabapentin: Ethyl Cellulose: HPMC, 1:2:3) exhibited optimal drug release characteristics, sustaining release for 16 hours in simulated gastric fluid (0.1N HCl), following first-order kinetics. Microspheres showed strong mucoadhesive properties, potentially prolong the medication's half-life in the stomach, increasing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. This research uses HPMC and EC polymers to develop and evaluate sustained-release mucoadhesive microspheres of gabapentin. Formulation 5 is the optimal formulation, demonstrating sustained drug release and excellent mucoadhesive properties. These microspheres hold promise for the oral sustained release of Gabapentin, potentially improving the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain.