ABSTRACT:
Fast dissolving strips are used as novel approaches, as it dissolves rapidly in mouth and directly reaches the systemic circulation. In present research work, an attempt has been made to prepare mouth dissolving strips of Metoclopramide hydrochloride by using a novel film former Pullulan by solvent casting method. A33 full factorial design was utilized for the optimization of the effect of independent variables such as the amount of Pullulan, amount of PEF 400, amount of SSG on mechanical properties, and % drug release of strips. The drug compatibility studies using FTIR and DSC studies formulated strips were characterized for their physicochemical parameter like weight variation, visual appearance, folding endurance, thickness, disintegration time, drug content, and in vitro dissolution studies. FTIR and DSC studies revealed that the polymer is compatible with the drug. It was found that the optimum levels of the responses for a fast release strip could be obtained at low levels of Pullulan, PEG400, and SSG. The prepared strip was clear transparent and had a smooth surface. The surface pH was found 4.8 to 5.2 be in the range of to which is close to salivary pH, which indicates that strips may have less potential to irritate the oral mucosa, thereby they are comfortable. The drug release was found to be between 90.94 to 100.5% in 2 min. The in-vitro disintegration time of strips prepared with Pullulan was in the range of 19 to 57 sec. As the concentration of SSG increases the decrease in the disintegration time of strips a decrease. The dissolution rate increased with an increase in the concentration of SSG. Hence, it can be inferred that the fast dissolving oral strips of Metoclopramide hydrochloride may produce rapid action thereby improving bioavailability and enhance the absorption by avoiding the first-pass effect.