A Green Approach to Synthesize Ondansetron Oral Mucoadhesive Tablets by Using Natural Polymers and in vitro Characterization

Background

Mucoadhesive buccal tablets are well established, widely used, and commonly accepted oral dosage forms that, by virtue of their adhesiveness, allow the drug to be released gradually over an extended period. Various parameters of the polymers being used in the formulation affect their adhesiveness. This includes the molecular weight, concentration, chain length, flexibility, hydration, and hydrogen bonding.

Materials and Methods

Ondansetron, an antiemetic drug that is a selective 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist, was formulated as a mucoadhesive buccal tablet consisting of guar gum, xanthan gum, Locust bean gum, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. The formulation consisted of nine batches with batch codes ranging from F1 to F9, which involved the use of various polymer combinations and concentrations to create a homogenous powder mixture. The tablets were formed in a single-punch tablet compression machine.

Results and Discussion

The study analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of Ondansetron and its excipients, revealing a melting point of 232°C and high solubility in various solvents. The formulation’s pH was found to be within acceptable range for saliva, and the weight variation test showed average percentage variation within limits. The highest mucoadhesive strength was found in tablets with increased amounts of mucoadhesive polymers like guar gum, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum F7-F9. The release studies showed that F9 followed Fickian drug release transport, while F1 to F8 followed non-Fickian drug release transport, resulting in sustained or controlled release effects.

Conclusion

The study uses sustained-release polymers like guar gum, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum to create mucoadhesive ondansetron tablets for treating emesis in chemotherapy. The transmucosal buccal route is optimal for oral administration, with formulations extending drug release for up to 24 hr without local irritant effects. The formulation is successfully synthesized, having optimal drug release to produce desired therapeutic outcomes.