DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF BUCCAL FILM OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM

Diclofenac Sodium causes gastro-intestinal irritation and ulceration on prolonged use. The buccal delivery of Diclofenac Sodium avoids direct contact to mucosa so it should reduce the possibility of ulceration. The buccal films of Diclofenac Sodium were formulated using mucoadhesive polymers like PVA and HPMC. The films were evaluated for their mechanical strength, folding endurance, drug content uniformity, swelling, in vitro residence time, in vitro release, in vitro bioadhesion and in vivo mucoadhesion. Films were found to have good tensile strength and elasticity. The drug content was found to be uniform. The films prepared with HPMC had satisfactory residence time, good bioadhesive strength and the release of drug was matrix diffusion type. The films prepared with PVA have comparatively less bioadhesion and in vitro residence time. The buccal films prepared with PVA can be used for the fast release of drug and so fast action, whereas HPMC films can be used for the sustained release of the drug.