Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablets of Zolpidem Tartrate

The present study was aimed at the formulation and in vitro evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Zolpidem tartrate to enhance bioavailability and prolong drug release by avoiding hepatic first-pass metabolism. Zolpidem tartrate, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent used in the short-term management of insomnia, exhibits a short biological half-life, necessitating frequent dosing. Mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery offers prolonged residence time, improved patient compliance, and controlled drug release. Six formulations (F1–F6) of Zolpidem tartrate mucoadhesive buccal tablets were prepared by direct compression using Carbopol 940 LR and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) as primary mucoadhesive polymers in varying ratios along with sodium alginate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Preformulation studies indicated satisfactory flow properties of the powder blends. Post-formulation evaluation parameters such as hardness, friability, weight variation, surface pH, swelling index, mucoadhesive strength, ex vivo residence time, drug content uniformity, and in vitro drug release were carried out. Among all formulations, F3 demonstrated optimal performance with satisfactory mucoadhesive strength, prolonged ex vivo residence time, controlled swelling behavior, and sustained drug release up to 6 hours (91.3%). FTIR studies confirmed the absence of drug–excipient interactions. The study concludes that mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Zolpidem tartrate prepared using HPMC in combination with other polymers are a promising approach for controlled drug delivery with improved therapeutic efficacy.