Formulation and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Fast Melt-Away Wafers Using Selected Polymers

In the present study fast dissolving drug delivery system of Atenolol were successfully developed in the form of mucoadhesive fast melt-away wafers which offers a suitable and practical approach in serving desired objective of faster disintegration and dissolution characteristics with increase in patient compliance by avoiding the first pass metabolism and enhance the bioavailability of the drug and for pediatric, geriatric and un co-operative mentally ill patients.

In the present study, mucoadhesive fast melt away wafers of Atenolol were prepared using selected polymers like HPMC E5, HPMC E6, HPMC E15 and PULLULAN by solvent casting method. Films were uniform in weight. The preformulation studies were carried out and evaluation studies were conducted. Present study reveals that maximum all formulated wafers shown satisfactory film parameters. Formulation (F9) with HPMC E6 400 mg has shown better in vitro dissolution profile compared with other formulations. The in vitro drug release study shown higher drug release (98.83%) in 150 seconds of the wafer with super disintegrate used.

Hence, the fast dissolving buccal wafers of Atenolol are expected to provide clinician with a new choice of safe and more bioavailable formulations in the management of hypertension. The study reveals satisfactory results with a further scope of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation and can be a potential novel drug dosage form for pediatric, geriatric and also for general population.