Formulation and evaluation of once daily mucoahdesive vaginal tablet of metronidazole

Abstract

The antitrichomonal imidazole derivative metronidazole is employed locally for the treatment of genitourinary tract bacterial infections and is formulated as creams, foams, tablets, or irrigations. In this study, a new dosage form was developed by using carbopol 934P (CP 934P) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K4M) as bioadhesive polymers in different ratios. The mucoadhesive strength was evaluated by detachment force measurement from porcine vaginal mucosal membrane. The strong interaction between the polymer and the mucus lining of the tissue helps increase the contact time and permits the localization. CP 934P showed maximum bioadhesion and was directly proportional to its total content. The formulations were tested for their swelling behavior using agar gel plate. The swelling index increased with an increase in the content of HPMC. In vitro and in situ release studies were also carried out using porcine vaginal mucus membrane. The biopharmaceutical studies showed that the dosage form was able to release drug for 24 h. The similarity factor f2 showed no significant difference between fresh and aged sample.