Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Buccal Gels of Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate

Betamethasone sodium phosphate is a disodium phosphate salt of 21-phosphate ester of synthetic glucocorticoid Betamethasone is known to possess immunosuppressant anti-inflammatory and antifibrolytic properties. Hence was used in formulation and development of mucoadhesive buccal gel for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis to facilitate local action and to increase patient compliance. Six formulations were prepared using two different polymers in variable proportions and were subjected for the screening of physicochemical parameters viz.-homogeneity grittiness viscosity spreadability extrudability mucoadhesive strength pH drug content uniformity in vitro drug diffusion IR spectral analysis and stability studies. Formulation F5 containing 1.25 carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and 1.25 hydroxypropyl methylcellulose resulted with highest drug release and better mucoadhesive strength as compared to the other formulations.