Loratidine buccal films for allergic rhinitis: development and evaluation

The objective of this study was to develop a novel patient compliant buccoadhesive film capable of providing a prolonged protection against allergic symptoms. Polymeric buccoadhesive films of loratidine were prepared using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)-E5 and K100 blend and Eudragit (R) NE 30D as retardant. Films were prepared using solvent-casting method. The developed films were evaluated for physical properties, hydration, mucoadhesion time, drug release, etc. All the prepared films exhibited excellent mechanical strength and uniform drug content. Increase in drug content did not influence the physicomechanical properties of the film. The mucoadhesive strength of films was significantly enhanced with increase in HPMC content. Increase in Eudragit (R) NE 30 D content in the film decreases the hydration, erosion and drug release, but enhances the mucoadhesion time. Furthermore, the release of loratidine from the prepared films followed Hixson-Crowell kinetics. Studies in healthy human volunteers using placebo films indicate that the prepared films possess prolonged mucoadhesion in-vivo, and this could potentially lead to clinically relevant drug delivery system.