Evaluation of bioadhesive buccal tablets containing triamcinolone acetonide in healthy volunteers

Abstract

The behaviour of bioadhesive buccal tablets prepared from different ratios of poly(acrylic acid-2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene) (PADH) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) with and without triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) has been investigated in the buccal cavities of healthy human volunteers. The results indicate that tablets with a higher ratio of PADH swell faster, causing the disintegration of the tablets and consequently give rise to more rapid release of drug. The inclusion of higher percentages of HPMC provides more prolonged release of drug through its properties of gelling and slow dissolution. However, adhesion of the tablet is reduced in the excessive flow of saliva and there is also a tendency for the tablet to be dislodged from the mucosa. The tablet with a PADH/HPMC ratio of 50:50 seems to provide a suitable compromise for good bioadhesion and prolonged release of drug.