Formulation and evaluation of diclofenac sodium buccoadhesive discs.

Twenty diclofenac sodium buccoadhesive discs containing Cp974p, polycarbophil, PEO, SCMC-medium viscosity (SCMC-MV), SCMC-ultrahigh viscosity (SCMC-UHV) or their combinations were prepared. These buccoadhesive discs were evaluated for release pattern, swelling capacity, surface pH, mucoadhesion performance, and in vitro permeation of diclofenac sodium through buccal membranes. In vivo testing of mucoadhesion time, strength of adhesion, irritation, bitterness due to drug swallowing and disc disintegration in the buccal cavity were also performed. Drug bioavailability of a selected diclofenac sodium buccoadhesive product was then compared with that of Voltarin 100 SR tablet. The percentage relative bioavailability of diclofenac sodium from the selected buccoadhesive disc 50 mg was found to be 141.31%. copyright 2004 Elsevier B.V.