Formulation and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Buccal Film of 5-Fluorouracil by Liposomal Formulation Method

The aim of this study was for cancers of the mouth, throat, colon, stomach, and cervical regions, fluorouracil is the recommended medication. 5 FU has a pKa value of 8.0 and 13.0, making it a highly polar substance that is classified as BCS class III (Highly soluble & Low permeable). Due to its limited permeability, the medication is poorly absorbed, and its bioavailability is low at 28% (first pass metabolism). Following intravenous injection, 5 Fu is quickly removed, with an apparent terminal half-life of 8–20 minutes. The medication has serious side effects, including as impacts on the gastrointestinal tract, the bloodstream, the brain, the heart, and the skin. 5FU is a good option for trans buccal, vaginal, and rectal drug delivery systems because of these issues. Since fluorouracil has a limited permeability, permeability must be increased. The thin film hydration process is used to create liposomes, which are then further described and assessed. When fluorouracil reaches the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), it undergoes first-pass metabolism and produces toxic effects that harm normal cells. To counteract this effect, buccal films are made using the solvent casting process. The medicine diffuses straight into the systemic circulation through the jugular vein when it is delivered buccal. It was discovered that the polymer ratio was 4.9:2.5 (F4), using HPMC and SCMC. In terms of weight, thickness, surface pH, % moisture absorption and loss, folding endurance, drug content, and diffusion investigations, the F4 formulation performs satisfactorily. Buccal films have the ability to regulate the release over a ten-hour period. The Buccal film formulation improves the drug’s bioavailability, lowers cytotoxicity, avoids first pass metabolism, reduces the frequency of doses, and prevents gastrointestinal discomfort.