Development of In Situ Gelling Inserts by Lyophilization for Nasal Delivery of Terbutaline Sulfate

ABSTRACT

The aim of present study was development and in vitro characterization of sponge like, in situ gelling inserts of terbutaline sulfate by lyophilization for nasal administration to avoid first-pass metabolism. The inserts were investigated for thickness, water uptake, moisture absorption, drug content, in vitro drug release, histopathology, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. The developed inserts were smooth in appearance with uniform thickness and drug content. The inserts exhibited satisfactory water uptake and extended drug release up to 10 h. Hence, inserts could be used as a viable alternative to improve therapeutic efficacy of terbutaline sulfate.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Inserts
• lyophilization
• nasal drug delivery
• terbutaline sulfate

Acknowledgments

The authors are also thankful to Sophisticated Test and Instrumentation Centre (STIC), Cochin, India for providing facilities for SEM and PXRD analysis.