ABSTRACT:
The present research aimed to design, formulate, and evaluate mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Loratadine using Pithecellobium dulce (Manila Tamarind) seed powder as a novel natural polymer. Loratadine, a BCS Class II antihistaminic drug, exhibits poor aqueous solubility and undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, leading to reduced oral bioavailability. Buccal drug delivery offers a promising alternative by avoiding gastrointestinal degradation and hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficiency and improving patient compliance. Seven formulations (F1–F7) were prepared by direct compression using varying concentrations of P. dulce gum along with MCC, ethyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, and talc. The tablets were evaluated for pre- and post-compression parameters, swelling index, mucoadhesive strength, FTIR compatibility, in vitro drug release, drug release kinetics, and stability studies. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences between batches (p<0.05). Among all formulations, F5 exhibited optimal characteristics with swelling index of 35.82 ± 0.38%, mucoadhesive strength of 10.40 ± 1.13 g, and drug release of 98.16 ± 1.77% over 8 h. The release profile followed Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics, indicating non-Fickian diffusion. FTIR spectra confirmed drug–polymer compatibility, and stability studies over 3 months indicated no significant changes in drug content or physical characteristics. This study demonstrates that P. dulce gum can serve as an effective natural mucoadhesive polymer for the sustained buccal delivery of Loratadine [1–3]. confirm the potential of P. dulce gum as a safe and effective natural mucoadhesive polymer for sustained buccal delivery of Loratadine.