Development and Evaluation of Palonosetron Loaded Mucoadhesive Buccal Films

Abstract

Clinical potential of palonosetron in oral therapy is mainly limited by low permeability. The purpose of this study was to develop oral mucoadhesive film with palonosetron and evaluate its prospective for buccal delivery.Films were prepared by solvent casting method using proloc 15 and eudragit® RL 100 polymers. The composition of polymers and plasticizers were optimized and evaluated for physicomechanical properties, mucoadhesion, swelling, drug release and permeation across mucosal membrane. The drug loaded films (F1-F4) demonstrated desirable physical properties, mechanical strength and mucoadhesion. Rapid hydration of films was observed which may provide prompt mucoadhesion of film with the buccal mucosa. A biphasic drug release profile was noticed in films (F1-F4), with greater amount being released in 2 h. Ex vivo studies using films (F3 and F4 with 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg palonosetron per cm2 , respectively) showed greater transport when drug concentration was high. Scanning electron microscopy image shows that drug loaded film possesses morphological features of an ideal film. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that, buccal films has the potential to provide effective transport of drug through the buccal mucosa and could be an option for palonosetron delivery.