Formulation and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Buccal Films of Repaglinide

The present study was aimed to formulate and evaluate the mucoadhesive buccal films of Repaglinide 2 mg, an Anti-diabetic agent. The films are prepared by solvent casting method. The mucoadhesive buccal film formulations were developed by incorporating various polymers. PVP K 30 as to improve bioavailability, and guar gum as polysaccharide used as film forming biopolymer. The ingredients were tested for compatibility with drug by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)studies which showed that there was no physicochemical interaction occurred. The thickness of film, weight variation, folding endurance, surface pH, swelling studies, DSC, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and drug content was evaluated for films. The effect of these variables on drug release was also studied. A total of 9 formulations were prepared in the following ratios, from F1 to F9 the drug to carrier (HPMC K 15, SCMC, PVA and HPMC E 15) of different concentrations in the ratio was found to be (1:2). The in-Vitro drug permeation studies as well as ex vivo permeation studies were performed by using pH 6.8 phosphate buffer as media at 50rpm speed and temperature of 37°C±5°C. The sampling was done at periodic time intervals and was replaced by equal volume of media after each withdrawal. The cumulative amount of drug release at different intervals is estimated using UV method. Based on the evaluation result the formulations F-9 containing HPMC E 15 and PVA of ratio 1:2 was selected as best formulation.