Fabrication and characterization of buccal films of propranolol hydrochloride: an in-vitro and ex-vivo analysis

The aim of current examination was to formulate propranolol hydrochloride (PHCL) loaded buccal films by combining polyvinyl alcohol with guar gum using solvent casting process. The formulated films were assessed for a variety of measures including physical evaluation, in vitro drug permeation, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation studies. The prepared PHCL loaded films demonstrated homogeneous surface, and the weight uniformity of prepared films was noted in the range of 160 ± 0.29 mg to 169 ± 0.32 mg. The thickness and swelling index of fabricated films were found in the range of 0.132 ± 0.013 mm to 0.264 ± 0.011 mm and 38.73 ± 1.02% to 46.99 ± 1.92%, respectively. The pH of all developed films was near to neutral (pH 6.41 ± 0.71 to pH 6.59 ± 0.91). The folding endurance and drug content of all prepared films were within the range of 74.33 ± 4.04 to 150.00 ± 2.00 and 91.38 ± 0.71% to 97.34 ± 0.13%, respectively. The formulation F2 exhibited maximum in vitro drug permeation (85.11 ± 4.26%) across egg shell membrane, in vitro drug release of 96.66 ± 6.01% and ex vivo drug permeation of 87.36 ± 3.80% across buccal mucosa. The findings of ex vivo permeation through buccal mucosa exhibited that the drug permeation rate was sustained for 360 minutes. A buccal film containing PHCL shows tremendous potential for systemic administration. In addition to circumventing hepatic first-pass metabolism, this method has the advantage of minimizing side effects. To ensure the efficacy of the prepared formulation, further studies in an animal model are recommended.