FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRAZODONE HCL LOADED THERMO-REVERSIBLE IN-SITU INTRANASAL GEL

This study aimed to design and evaluate a thermoreversible, mucoadhesive intranasal gel formulation of Trazodone HCl for enhanced drug delivery to the brain. Pre-formulation processes involved characterization of the drug using UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and DSC techniques to confirm drug purity and compatibility with excipients. The nasal gel was formulated using Poloxamer 407 (19%) and Carbopol 934P (0.1% – 0.5%) through the cold method. The formulated gels were evaluated for pH, clarity, viscosity, mucoadhesive strength, in-vitro drug release, and ex vivo permeation across goat nasal mucosa. Gelation temperature was optimized to align with physiological nasal temperatures (32–34°C), and results demonstrated effective sol-to-gel transitions. Drug release studies revealed over 85% release from optimized formulation (A4) within 8 hours. Ex-vivo permeation studies confirmed significant drug absorption through the nasal membrane, with A4 exhibiting 78.45% cumulative drug release. Stability studies validated the formulations’ reliability, and no incompatibilities were observed between drug and excipients. This intranasal gel formulation represents a promising, non-invasive approach to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of Trazodone HCl for treating depression.