FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF BUCCAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ATOMOXETINE
Amir Ahmad, Dharmendra Singh Rajput, Brajmohan Kaushal
ABSTRACT
The present study was aimed at the formulation and evaluation of a buccal drug delivery system of Atomoxetine hydrochloride to achieve controlled drug release, improved bioavailability, and enhanced patient compliance by bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism. Buccal patches were prepared using the solvent casting technique with varying concentrations of polymers to obtain five different formulations (F1–F5). The prepared patches were evaluated for physicochemical properties including weight variation, thickness, surface pH, drug content uniformity, swelling index, folding endurance, mucoadhesion time, and bioadhesive strength. In-vitro drug release studies were carried out to assess the release profile of Atomoxetine from the buccal patches. All formulations exhibited uniform weight and thickness with surface pH values close to neutrality, indicating suitability for buccal application without mucosal irritation. Drug content was found to be within acceptable limits, confirming uniform drug distribution. The in-vitro release studies demonstrated a controlled and sustained release pattern over 5 hours. Among all formulations, formulation F4 showed superior mucoadhesive properties, highest swelling index, optimal mechanical strength, and a desirable drug release profile. Stability studies of the optimized formulation revealed no significant changes in appearance, folding endurance, or drug content over one month of storage, indicating good stability. Overall, the results suggest that Atomoxetine buccal patches represent a promising alternative to conventional oral dosage forms for effective and sustained drug delivery.
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