FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A BUCCOADHESIVE ERODIBLE TABLET FOR THE TREATMENT OF ORAL LESIONS

Buccoadhesive erodible tablets of triamcinolone acetonide were prepare d using different bioadhesive polymers along with excipients like mann itol and PEG-6000. In vitro release characteristics were evaluated usi ng a 'flow-thru assembly' which simulated the conditions of the human buccal cavity. The bioadhesive performance and the surface pH of the t ablets was satisfactory. The optimized formulation containing 8.0 mg o f triamcinolone acetonide, 2.5 mg of mannitol, 7.5 mg of PEG-6000, 2.0 mg of magnesium stearate along with carbopol-934P (CP-934P) and sodiu m carboxy methyl cellulose-DVP (SCMC-DVP) in the ratio of 1:4 was foun d to release the drug for a period of over 8 h without getting dislodg ed. Maximum in vitro drug release was found to be 79.08% in 8 h study. In vivo evaluation of placebo buccoadhesive tablets revealed adequate comfort, taste, non-irritancy during the period of study. None of the volunteers reported severe dry mouth/severe salivation or heaviness a t the place of attachment. A linear and positive correlation was found between in vitro and in vivo mean adhesion time. The buccoadhesive ta blet eroded completely after 8 h leaving no exhausted device to be rem oved. This formulation has potential clinical usefulness for the treat ment of oral lesions.