Preparation and Evaluation of Bioadhesive Vaginal Tablets of Ketoconazole in Vitro

OBJECTIVE To prepare and evaluate a new bioadhesive vaginal tablets of ketoconazole in vitro.METHODS The bioadhesive strength and swelling behaviour of Carbopol934P,974P,HPMC K4M and HPC were studied.Five formulations of bioadhesive vaginal tablets of ketoconazole were prepared by the mixtures of Carbopol934P with HPMC K4M or HPC as bioadhesive materials.Effervescent agents were added into every formulation to enhance the dissolution of ketoconazole.The values of bioadhesive strength,swelling rate and dissolution were compared among the different formulations.RESULTS The vaginal tablets were bioadhesive and extended-release.In vitro dissolution of ketoconazole was fitted with Fick diffusion mechanism. CONCLUSION The preparation of bioadhesive vaginal tablet is simple and all the formulations had properties of bioadhesion and sustained-release.This study seems to be a step forwad in the ongoing research for the treatment of mycotic infections.