Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with gradual decreasing of nicotine is one of the smoking cessation methods. Muccoadhesive formulations are among the novel drug delivery systems that are available in the form of tablets and films, and can be used for NRT. Muccoadhesive nicotine tablets when placed in the upper gum will attach to the buccal mucosa and release nicotine content in a controlled manner. This will meet the immediate and long-term need of the individual to the nicotine, such that the person can decrease his/her dependency on smoking.[1]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the tablets were prepared using different conventional bioadhesive polymers such as Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose (HPMC) 50cps, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC), and carbapol 934 (CP934) in singular or mixture form. Magnesium hydroxide were used as the pH increasing agent; magnesium stearate as the lubricant; and lactose as the excipiente. Nicotine hydrogen bitartrate, more stable than the liquid, was used in different formulations. Pharmaceutics characteristics such as adhesion degree and drug release rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Increasing of HPMC 50cps in the formulations decrease speed release of nicotine. The carbapol in formulations beget slow releasing of nicotine. With increasing the percent of lactose, the rate of release in formulations was increased. Formulations, which have HPMC 50cps has best adhesiveness and the formulations contains carbapol had not suitable adhesiveness. Formulations contains NaCMC were very fast release and had not suitable adhesiveness. CONCLUSION: The formulation contains mixture of HPMC50cps and CP934 was the best because of suitable adhesiveness and minimum swing in release.