Formulation and Characterization of Eplerenone Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablets

Mucoadhesive drug release system is a preferably unidirectional release system where mucosal epithelial exterior is enclosed by the mucus deposit that interacts with the bio-adhesive drug delivery system and swelling time of the buccal dosage form which is amplified by mucin molecules at the location of administration. Eplerenone is an Anti-hypertensive drug that undergoes hepatic first pass metabolism and shows 69% of bioavailability. In order to bypass the hepatic first pass metabolism the drug is designed to be delivered through buccal cavity to avoid the first pass metabolism. Eplerenone buccal tablets were formulated by using direct compression method with different polymers like HPMC K 100M, Carbopol 934P, Carbopol 974P, Xantham Gum, Eudragit L100 and NaCMC in various concentrations and compositions. Incompatibility complications were not observed from the FTIR spectrums. The formulated and prepared buccal solid dosage forms were evaluated for pre-compressions and post- compression parameters such as hardness, weight variation, thickness, friability, surface pH, swelling index, in-vitro dissolution studies, drug content uniformity, mucoadhesion strength and mucoadhesion time. Evaluation results of formulation F12 are proven to be the optimal formulation showing highest mucoadhesion time, mucoadhesion strength and in-vitro drug release for prolonged period of time about 8 hours. Eplerenone is best delivered through buccal drug delivery system to enhance its oral bioavailability and bypass the hepatic first pass metabolism.