Transmucosal Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System of Fentanyl in Spinal Injuries

For the patients of spinal cord injury (SCI) the matrix type mucoadhesive buccal films of fentanyl citrate (FC) were prepared and characterized for physicochemical properties, ex vivo permeation study, in vivo mucosal irritation test and in vivo analgesic activity. The prepared matrix type buccal films showed good weight uniformity, thickness, flatness, high drug content and good folding endurance. The swelling study in pH 6.6 phosphate buffer of different formulations revealed that the films containing Polyvinyl pyrrolidione (PVP K-90) and Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) showed the highest swelling. And the results of swelling study were found to be in good tune with the in vitro residence/mucoadhesion test. The ex vivo permeation study through excised rabbit buccal mucosa showed prompt onset of release with drug permeation ranging from 82.48 to 94.46%. It was concluded that the films containing 1 mg of FC in SCMC (2% w/v) and PVP K-90 (5% w/v), showed good swelling, a practical residence time, promising controlled drug release, no mucosal irritation and high in vivo analgesic activity. It can be concluded that the matrix type mucoadhesive films of fentanyl can be effectively used to alleviate the severe pain of spinal injuries with prompt onset and prolonged action.