A novel dosage form for buccal administration of bupropion

Abstract

Bupropion is an antidepressant used in the treatment of smoking. The purpose of this study was to prepare controlled-release hydrogel flms for buccal administration of bupropion and investigate its physicochemical and cytotoxic properties. The films were prepared from ultrapure sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M, and medium-viscosity chitosan. Evaluation of flm physicochemical characteristics was based on scanning electron microscopy, bupropion content, mechanical strength (burst strength, relaxation, resilience, and traction), and cytotoxicity. Bupropion content in bilayer flms was 121 mg per 9 cm2. The presence of bupropion modified flm mechanical strength, but did not compromise the use of this pharmaceutical form. As shown by the cytotoxicity results, flms containing bupropion did not cause cellular damage. Bupropion administration in the form of hydrogel flms is a potentially useful alternative in the treatment of smoking.