Nanofibers loaded levosalbutamol sulfate fast dissolving oral films for sublingual delivery

Abstract

During allergic reactions, a drug should work quickly and effectively. Levosalbutamol (LSAL) is a short-acting drug that stimulates β2 adrenergic receptors and is commonly used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to prepare sublingual oral patches of levosalbutamol sulfate electrospun nanofibers for ultrafast release. In this study, we fabricated nanofibers by electrospinning polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer (10 %) and different concentrations (3, 5, and 10 %) of LSAL. The nanofibers are randomly aligned, with smooth surfaces and an average fiber diameter of 160, 170, and 198 nm at PVA/LSAL concentrations of 3 %, 5 %, and 10 %, respectively. The in vitro dissolution study showed that all PVA/LSAL nanofibers released the drug ultra-fast (within 5–10 min); 90 % released within 3 min. The folding endurance study revealed that the drug-loaded nanofibers had improved stability. A disintegration study showed that the nanofibers disintegrated rapidly in 1–3 min, and an in vitro cytocompatibility study showed good cell viability with A549 human lung cells. Hence, the proposed fast-dissolving sublingual oral films/patches approach is a promising alternative to existing dosage forms. They can provide an ultra-fast release of various drugs requiring a fast onset of action with increased bioavailability and patient compliance.