Abstract

This study aimed to formulate a solid dosage form as decongestant for intranasal application. Nine formulations (A-K) based on gelatin and other polymers were manufactured following the solvent evaporation method. Fabricated patches were characterized according to uniformity of weight, thickness, transparency and surface pH, tensile strength and elongation at break. Adhesiveness was assessed by tack test and bioadhesive assay on the nasal porcine mucosa. Naphazoline was incorporated in the different formulations and investigated for drug release. All formulations were resistant to disintegration in simulated nasal fluid during the time frame of 180 min. Tensile strength showed a range between 0.619 ± 0.0704 [N/mm2] (H) and 0.255 ± 0.0196 [N/mm2] (E). Mucoadhesive studies carried out with promising results for formulation K with 1.5 cm rolling distance referring to a good stickiness of the formulation. This result is in good agreement with the second adhesive study showing formulation K with 1.5 N required force to detach from the mucosa. In 180 min naphazoline was released in a range of 28.18 ± 14.09 (G) and 62.74 ± 10.96 (E) %. Formulations C, K and E were the most prominent ones due to mucoadhesion and controlled drug release in the management of mucosal disorders.