Formulation and evaluation of in-situ mucoadhesive nasal gel of montelukast sodium

The objective of the present investigation was to develop a mucoadhesive in-situ gel with reduced nasal mucocilliary clearance in order to improve the bioavailability of the antiasthamatic drug, Montelukast Sodium. The in-situ gelation upon contact with nasal mucosa was conferred via the use of the thermo gelling Pluronic flake 127 whereas mucoadhesion and drug release enhancement were modulated via the use of Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose, Methyl Cellulose and polyethylene glycol respectively. The results revealed that the mucoadhesive polymer increased the gel viscosity but reduced its sol-gel transition temperatures and the drug release. The inclusion of polyethylene glycol polymer counteracted the effect of mucoadhesive polymer whereby it decreased the gel consistency and increased the sol-gel transition as well as in-vitro drug release. The in-vitro drug release performed through dialysis membrane and ex vivo studies performed by using sheep nasal mucosa. F10 and F2 formulations showed 88.33%±0.08 and 83.75%±0.12 of drug release at 12h respectively. So this study points to the potential of mucoadhesive in-situ nasal gel in terms of ease of administration, accuracy of dosing, prolonged nasal residence and improved nasal bioavailability.

Author(s): Shravan Kumar Konda

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