Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal tablets of losartan by using natural polymers.

Abstract

Losartan, a drug widely used in the treatment of hypertension. However, its extensive first pass metabolism results in poor bioavailability. The objective of present research work is to design and evaluate the sustained release of mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Losartan with a goal to increase the bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance. The tablets were prepared using Gum Kondagagu, Gum Olibanum and Guar Gum as mucoadhesive polymers. Nine formulations were developed with var ying concentration of polymers. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, weight variation, thickness, percentage of drug content, Surface pH, in-vitro studies like swelling, mucoadhesive strength and drug release. Formulation (F6) containing Gum Olibanum with highest concentration showed good mucoadhesive strength (24.43) and maximum drug release of 99.15% in 6 hrs. Swelling increase with increase in concentration of Gum Olibanum in tablets. Swelling pH was found to be 6.10. Formulation (F6) follows zero -order drug release. FTIR studied showed no evidence on interaction between drug and polymers. The results indicate that the mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Losartan may be good choice to bypass the extensive hepatic first pass metabolism with an improvement i n the bioavailability of Losartan through buccal mucosa.