PROLONG RELEASE BIOADHESIVE VAGINAL FILM OF ANTI-HIV DRUG (ZIDOVUDINE): FORMULATION AND IN- VITRO EVALUATION

The present study concerned with the development and characterization of bioadhesive vaginal film (VF). Zidovudine containing VF were prepared by solvent casting method using different ratios of Acrycoat S 100 (AC) or Ethyl cellulose (EC) to Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and di butyl phthalate(DBP) as a plasticizer. The optimized films were found to be transparent, flexible and soft and evaluated for mechanical properties by modified instrument, drug content, folding endurance, in vitro drug release with release kinetic and % moisture content bioadhesive strength by modified pan balance method. The films were found higher drug content and flexible. The VF10 (containing AC: HPMC 4:1) was selected. In vitro drug was found of Zidovudine over 11 hr obeying zero order followed by Higuchi kinetics and Case II non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion control, indicating the rate of drug release is due to the combined effect of drug diffusion and polymer relaxation with a sufficient bio adhesion quality with good mechanical properties. The results were compared statistically and found with satisfactory correlation. Thus in conclusion preparation protocol of VFs studied may be adopted for a successful development of newer drug delivery system for treatment and prevention for AIDS.