International Journal of Farmacia

Development of Novel Lornoxicam-Loaded Mucoadhesive Buccal Films Using Natural Biopolymers for Sustained Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Javeria Farzeen, T. Mangilal, T. Sowmya, K. Tharun kumar, Afreen Banu, Mani — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to formulate and enhance Lornoxicam-loaded mucoadhesive buccal films utilising natural biopolymers to ensure prolonged anti-inflammatory efficacy and increased patient adherence. Lornoxicam, a powerful NSAID characterised by low oral bioavailability and gastrointestinal adverse effects, was developed into buccal films to circumvent first-pass metabolism and extend therapeutic efficacy. Six formulations (F1–F6) were developed by the solvent casting method with pullulan, Lycoat® RS 720, and gellan gum, with glycerol serving as a plasticiser and xylitol as a sweetener. Films were assessed for physicochemical characteristics, mucoadhesive strength, residence duration, and in vitro drug release. FTIR analyses validated the compatibility between the medication and excipient. Among all batches, F6 demonstrated superior mechanical strength, robust mucoadhesion, extended residence time, and sustained drug release. The release kinetics conformed to first-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, suggesting anomalous diffusion. Accelerated stability experiments indicated favourable physical and chemical stability. The optimised buccal film offers a promising alternative to traditional oral Lornoxicam treatment for chronic inflammatory disorders.

Design and Characterization of Valsartan Gastro retentive Floating Raft Gel Using Natural–Synthetic Polymer Combinations for Enhanced Bioavailability

N. Sridhar, Afreen Banu, K. Tharun Kumar, T. Sowmya, T. Mangilal, Mani — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research aimed to develop and assess gastro retentive floating raft gels containing valsartan by utilizing a blend of natural and synthetic polymers to improve stomach retention time and oral bioavailability. Six formulations (VR1–VR6) were created using sodium alginate, gellan gum, HPMC K15M, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate to facilitate in-situ gelation, buoyancy, and prolonged drug release. FTIR analysis verified the lack of drug–polymer incompatibility. All formulations demonstrated satisfactory clarity, consistent appearance, and compatibility with gastric pH. Elevated polymer concentration led to enhanced viscosity, gel strength, and regulated medication release. The raft gels exhibited swift floating (lag time 28–42 seconds) and maintained buoyancy for more than 12 hours. The drug content varied between 97.54% and 99.12%. In vitro release demonstrated sustained delivery for up to 8 hours, with VR3 exhibiting best efficacy. The release kinetics adhered to first-order and Higuchi models, exhibiting non-Fickian diffusion. Accelerated stability experiments of VR3 validated the formulation's stability. The optimised raft gel presents a promising gastro retentive method for enhancing valsartan therapy.

Amlodipine-Loaded Functional Gummies: A Palatable Alternative for Pediatric and Geriatric Hypertension Management

G. Praveen Kumar, S. Niharika — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present research aimed to design, produce, and assess Amlodipine-loaded medicated gummies as a patient-friendly dosage form to improve compliance, especially in pediatric and geriatric patients with hypertension. Amlodipine was integrated into gelatin- and pectin-based gummy matrices utilizing sucrose, corn syrup, citric acid, glycerol, and flavoring ingredients to formulate six optimal batches. The formulated gummies were assessed for physical appearance, weight uniformity, pH, moisture content, water activity, texture hardness, drug content uniformity, spreadability, syneresis, and in vitro drug release. FTIR analyses demonstrated the absence of notable drug-excipient interactions. All formulations had a smooth appearance, satisfactory flavor and texture, and uniform medication distribution. The formulations exhibited an appropriate pH range, moisture content within acceptable levels, and water activity below thresholds that pose microbiological risks. The hardness ratings demonstrated sufficient chewability. The in-vitro release research demonstrated quick disintegration, with over 85% drug release occurring within 30 minutes, so validating its appropriateness for immediate-release delivery. The modified formulation exhibited enhanced mechanical qualities, ideal organoleptic traits, and the most favorable release kinetics across all batches. Amlodipine gummies were effectively created and characterized, indicating their promise as a convenient, pleasant, and efficacious oral dose form to enhance therapeutic compliance.