Buccal patches of atenolol formulated using fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed mucilage

Abstract

Background. The use of mucoadhesive natural polymers in designing mucoadhesive patch systems has received much attention. Objectives. The study involved the development and evaluation of buccal patches of atenolol using fenu- greek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed mucilage with hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4M) and a backing membrane (ethyl cellulose 5% w/v). Material and methods. These atenolol-releasing buccal patches were prepared using a solvent casting technique. The buccal patches prepared were evaluated for average weight, thickness, drug content, folding endurance and moisture content. Ex vivo mucoadhesive strength, force of adhesion and bonding strength were determined using porcine buccal mucosa. The mucosal permeation of atenolol through the porcine buccal mucosa was carried out using a Franz diffusion cell in phosphate buffer saline, pH 6.8. These buccal patches were also characterized by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. Results. The average weight, thickness, drug content, folding endurance and moisture content of these atenolol-releasing buccal patches were found satisfactory for all the patches. Amongst all, the F-4 buccal patch showed maximum mucoadhesive strength (31.12 ±1.86 g), force of adhesion (30.53 × 10–2 N) and bond strength (1748.89 N/m2). Ex vivo atenolol permeation from the buccal patches showed drug perme- ation across the excised porcine buccal mucosa over 12 h. The F-4 buccal patch showed maximum perme- ation flux (29.12 μg/cm2/h). Conclusions. The developed atenolol-releasing buccal patches can be beneficial over the conventional drug delivery systems to decrease the dosing frequency and enhance patient compliance. Key words: fenugreek seed mucilage, HPMC, mucoadhesion, buccal patches, atenolo