Transbuccal absorption of diclofenac sodium

The buccal permeability of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium, has been evaluated in a dog model. The dog was selected because of the similarity of its buccal mucosa to that of man. Analysis of the buccal data indicated that diclofenac sodium permeability followed an essentially zero-order kinetic process with a minimal lag phase. Permeability of the drug was estimated to be 3 mg/cm2.h but significant differences were observed between animals. The absorption rate with the transbuccal delivery device decreased with time whereas the corresponding rate with a saturated solution was constant. This difference was attributed to the time dependency of drug delivery from the device and was modeled on the basis of release from a membrane-dispersed monolith combined with constant buccal permeability. The predictions of the model showed excellent agreement with the experimental data. 

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