1Research Scholar, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, India
2Professor, Pravara Rural College of Pharmacy, Loni, Maharashtra, India
Objectives: The present study aimed to design and optimize dexrabeprazole buccal tablets to enhance drug bioavailability, improve mucoadhesion, and achieve sustained release, using a 3² factorial design.
Methods: Formulations (F1–F9) were prepared with varying concentrations of Carbopol 934P and xanthan gum. The tablets were evaluated for post-compression parameters, mucoadhesive strength, swelling index, surface pH, drug content, and in-vitro release. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed drug–excipient compatibility. Optimization was performed using ANOVA-based factorial design, with validation through predicted versus experimental values. Stability studies were conducted under accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C / 75 ± 5% RH).
Results: All batches showed acceptable weight variation (199.6–200.5 mg), hardness (4.8–5.1 kg/cm²), friability (<0.5%), and drug content (97.8–99.3%). Surface pH remained within the buccal physiological range (6.65–6.74). Mucoadhesive strength ranged from 5.6 g (F1) to 8.9 g (F5), while swelling index varied from 42.6% to 64.3%. In-vitro release at 8 h ranged between 86.5% (F6) and 95.4% (F1). Batch F3 (20 mg Carbopol 934P and 60 mg xanthan gum) was optimized, exhibiting 6.4 g mucoadhesive strength, 53.5% swelling index, and 90.8% cumulative release at 8 h, closely matching predicted values with <3% error. Stability data confirmed no significant changes in physical or functional properties over 3 months.
Conclusion: The optimized buccal tablet formulation of dexrabeprazole demonstrated desirable mechanical strength, controlled release, and excellent stability, with potential clinical benefits in improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Future in-vivo studies are warranted to establish translational relevance.
Keywords: Dexrabeprazole; Buccal tablet; Factorial design; Mucoadhesion; Sustained release; Stability.
How to cite this article: Kale MR, Bhawar SB. Formulation and optimization of dexrabeprazole mucoadhesive buccal tablets for enhanced bioavailability. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 111-117; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.20
Source of support: None.
Conflict of interest: None