Journal of Dental and Orofacial Research

The present study was carried out to formulate bilayered patches of Esomeprazole for buccal delivery.

The patches were prepared using thiolated chitosan as mucoadhesive polymer and ethyl cellulose as the impermeable backing layer. The formulations were developed on the basis of Central Composite Design using Response Surface Methodology after preliminary trials. Concentration of Thiolated chitosan, PVP K30 and Glycerol were chosen as Independent variables and mucoadhesive time, mucoadhesive strength as dependent variables.

The patches showed good mucoadhesive strength in the range of 74–115 g. In-vitro drug release studies showed that formulations with high ratios of the polymers were able to sustain drug release up to 8 h. Optimized Formulation OPTI-TC containing the highest ratio of thiolated Chitosan was found to be the best formulation in terms of mucoadhesive strength, drug release and drug permeation.

Thus a stable, safe and effective bilayered mucoadhesive delivery system of Esomeprazole in the form of patches was prepared to improve drug bioavailability, avoid degradation of drug and to prevent drug loss in saliva.