Development and Characterization of hydrogel of some synthetic and natural polymers for Treatment of Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis is a recurrent and potentially severe complications caused by chemotherapy. L-glutamine is considerably reduced the duration and severity of oral mucosa during radiotherapy. Formulation containing L-glutamine reduces this side effect. Mucoadhesive hydrogel formulation can deliver the L-glutamine in the buccal cavity in effective concentration. Hydrogel formulations of L-glutamine were prepared using various concentrations of Carbopol 934 NF, Na CMC, HPMC (K-15) and PEG-400 as base and constant concentration of methyl paraben, glycerin, sodiumglycocholate as penetrating enhancer. The prepared hydrogel were evaluated for swelling hydration, matrix erosion, drug release, mucoadhesion and shear stress. The formulation containing Carbopol 934 NF (CP-4) has shown more than 80% drug release in 4 hr, which indicate the sustained release behavior is in the rate controlled manner and which adhere to the buccal cavity for upto 6 hr. Stability study indicate that the hydrogel is stable upto 40oC. The formed hydrogel may well tolerable, comfortable, non-irritant, flexible and protective to wounded surface.