Novel Composite pH Controlled Drug Release Hydrogel Containing Dexibuprofen

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a gelatin-cyclodextrin hydrogel using glutaraldehyde as crosslinker containing Dexibuprofen, characterized by the mucoadhesive and controlled release of drug in the stomach and its in vitro characterization. All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) cause peptic ulcer in chronic disease condition like rheumatoid arthritis. In conventional dosage form of NSAID's the drug is released at once with reduced duration of action. On other hands in hydrogels dosage form the drug is released slowly with prolongs the duration of action & minimal side effects. This also decreases the dosing frequency.

Methods: Nine formulations were developed by varying the gelatin-cyclodextrin (Gel/CD) and glutaraldehyde. Swelling studies of hydrogels were performed at three different pH conditions (1.2, 6.5 and 7.4). The hydrogel samples were also analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Results: The developed hydrogel showed Maximal swelling and drug release at pH 1.2. The results also revealed the development of pH-dependent swelling and drug release pattern which advocates its feasibility to be used for site-specific, pH-dependent, and controlled drug release behavior.

Conclusion: The developed hydrogels may prove to be a good plate-form for delivering drugs at a specific rate, at the specific site making the drug release pH responsive.