Tailored Hydrogel Microbeads of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose as a Carrier to Deliver Mefenamic Acid: Transmucosal Administration

Abstract

Background: Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs produce an enhanced hazard of severe gastrointestinal adverse effects, specifically in elderly patients. Objectives: The current study aimed at formulating mucoadhesive microparticles of mefenamic acid to improve the therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance Methods: The microparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) polymer. In the current study, the buccoadhesive microspheres holding various polymer-to-drug ratios were prepared and characterized by the following properties: encapsulation efficiency, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) flowability, particle size, degree of swelling and surface pH, DSC (differential scanning calormetric), mucoadhesive property, retentive time, and release of drug Results: The best polymer-to-drug ratio in the microspheres was 4: 1 (as F-3). The production yield of F3 microparticles showed a mean of 99.30%, with a particle size of 1905.46 mu m and loading efficiency of 46.56%. The DSC showed that the mefenamic acid-loaded microparticles changed to amorphous form. Based on the FTIR results, the drug maintained its chemical stability during the encapsulation process. It was found that the prepared F3 microparticles had more release rate than the microparticles of F-1, F-2, and untreated mefenamic acid powder (P < 0.05). The microparticles exhibited very good retention time properties. The results of mucoadhesive strength and surface pH of discs showed better characterization of microparticles in buccal administration. Conclusions: The formulations were appropriate candidates to improve microparticles for the remedial purposes.