Nicotine nasal powder: design and characterization

A study of the biopharmaceutical and technological properties of nicotine n asal powders suitable for nicotine replacement therapy is presented. Nasal powders were prepared using beta-cyclodextrin as carrier and tested for dru g in vitro permeation through rabbit nasal mucosa and for deposition in a c ast of the nasal cavity. Citric acid was employed as the adjuvant It was fo und that nicotine, in powder form with beta-cyclodextrin and citric acid, p ermeated the nasal mucosa in vitro foster than from the liquid preparation Nicorette. beta-cyclodextrin without citric acid was less effective in prom oting nicotine permeation, since the formation of a strong complex reduces the uptake of nicotine bg the membrane. Analysis of the plume emitted from the insufflator and the deposition in the nasal cavity, showed that the dep osition was relevant in rile roof of the nose and in the respiratory area, avoiding accumulation? in the nasopharynx. The deposition profile can be mo dified selecting the pou der particle size.