Formulation and optimization of gellan gum-poloxamer based dexamethasone mucoadhesive in situ gel

The main objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate mucoadhesive in situ buccal gelsof dexamethasone based on gellan gum-poloxamer 407. Formulations were characterized for gelling capacity, drugcontent, pH, viscosity, rheological studies, mechanical studies and in vitro drug release. The drug content, clarity and pH of the formulations were found to be satisfactory. Mucoadhesive in situ gels showed thermoresponsive behavior, existing as a liquid at room temperature and gel at 30–37ºC. Formulations exhibited pseudoplastic flow and typical gel-type mechanical spectra (G′ > G″) at different frequecy values and 37ºC. Prepared gels resulted in preparations with desirable rheological features as well as texture (appropriate hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and elasticity) properties, which could benefit the therapeutic efficacy, by increasing the residence time and easiness for local application on the buccal mucosa. Additionally, the developed preparations exhibited sustained drug release up to 72 h as intended for these systems. Optimized formulation containing 14% w/v poloxamer 407 and 0.4% w/v gellan gum exhibited desired characteristics (mechanical and rheological properties) for developing buccal drug delivery systems. Thus, buccal dexamethasone loaded mucoadhesive in situ gel was found to be a promisingformulation.

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