Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Containing Mucoadhesive Buccal Films of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate mucoadhesive buccal films containing Venlafaxine hydrochloride using Chitosan as base matrix. The buccal films were prepared by solvent casting technique. Different ratios of PVP K-30 were incorporated into the films to improve drug release properties of the films. The films were evaluated for their physical characteristics like weight, drug content, surface pH, swelling index, folding endurance, Ex Vivo mucoadhesion time, in Vitro drug release and FT-IR studies. Films exhibited sustained release over a period of 6 hours. The mechanism of drug release was found to be Non-fickian diffusion. Addition of PVP K-30 generally enhanced release rate. Films were having weight in the range of 146.67 ± 3.18 to 165.67 ± 2.6 mg. Swelling index was proportional to PVP K-30. Ex vivo mucoadhesion time was in the range of 142 to 287 minutes. The surface pH of all films was within limit (7.0), hence films would not cause irritation in the buccal cavity. Results indicate that these buccal films are adequate for the systemic delivery of venlafaxine hydrochloride.