Development, Characterization and Optimization of Mucoadhesive Tablet for Buccal Delivery of Domperidone

Background and Objective: Upon oral administration domeperidone is rapidly absorbed, but subjected to the first pass effect which lowers systemic bioavailability to 15%. Mucoadhesive tablet can remain attached to buccal mucosa and becomes capable of bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism to improve absorption directly into systemic circulation. The present research work was carried with an aim to develop, evaluate and optimize mucoadhesive tablet containing domperidone (DOME) for buccal delivery using different bio-adhesive polymeric combinations. Methods: The buccal tablets were formulated by wet granulation method using isopropyl alcohol. The preliminary formulations were prepared using combinations of HPMC K4, HPMC K15, HPMC K100, HPMC E5 as mucoadhesive polymers. 32 full factorial design was applied to determine the effect of independent variables like concentration of mucoadhesive polymers (HPMC K15 and HPMC K100) over dependent variables like mucoadhesive properties (swelling index, bioadhesive strength and in vitro drug release). The prepared mucoadhesive tablets were evaluated for their tablet properties and mucoadhesive properties. The interactions between drug and polymers were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Results: All formulations of factorial design showed satisfactory physicochemical, mechanical and bioadhesive characteristics. The formulation F9 exhibited maximum cumulative drug release, mucoadhesive strength and swelling index. Conclusion: The developed buccal tablet of domperidone might prove alternative to bypass the hepatic first pass metabolism and to avoid degradation which in turn may result in reducing the frequency of administration. Thus, mucoadhesive tablet of domeperidone may become viable alternative overcoming the side effects; achieving greater therapeutic effectiveness and improving the patient compliance.