M Mohan Varma

  Buccal delivery is considered to be an important alternative to the peroral route for the systemic administration of  drugs. The paper describes formulation of buccal mucoadhesive gel from Ficus carica mucilage using prorpranolol hyderochloride. Propranolol, a nonselective beta adrenergic blocking agent, has been widely used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and many other cardiovascular disorders. It is highly lipophilic and is almost completely absorbed after oral administration. However, much of the drug is metabolized by the liver during its first passage through the portal circulation; on average, only about 25% reaches the systemic circulation. The conventional oral dosage form of this drug has low bioavailability due to high first pass metabolism, so it is modified as buccal drug dosage form to improve bioavailability and for the localized drug release because of high vascularity and drugs diffusing across the membrane have easy access to the systemic circulation via internal jugular vein. In present research mucilage is extracted from Ficus carica and studeuied for there mucoadhesive properties. The gel were evaluated by different parameters such as zeta potential, viscosity, Gel strength, Drug Release, Mechanism of drug release & histological study.

  Buccal mucosa is the preferred site for both systemic and local drug action. The mucosa has a rich blood supply and it relatively permeable. Mucoadhesion can be defined as a state in which two components, of which one is of biological origin, are held together for extended periods of time by the help of interfacial forces. Mucoadhesion is a complex phenomenon which involves wetting, adsorption and interpenetration of polymer chains. Buccal mucoadhesive systems remain in close contact with the absorption tissue, the mucous membrane releasing the drug at the action site leading to increase in bioavailability (both local and systemic effects). Extending the residence time of a dosage form at a particular site and controlling the release of drug from the dosage form are useful especially for achieving controlled plasma level of the drug as well as improving bioavailability. In the present review article discusses with the buccal membrane, theory and kinetics behind buccal mucoadhesion, different types of buccal formulation advantages and disadvantages of buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery system.