Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

Background: Glibenclamide, a second-generation sulfonylurea, undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism and has limited bioavailability through conventional oral routes. Buccal drug delivery provides a direct systemic pathway, bypassing this effect and improving therapeutic efficacy. Objective: To develop, optimize, and evaluate mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Glibenclamide for sustained release and enhanced bioavailability. Methodology: Formulations (FH, FS, FA series) were prepared by direct compression using polymers HPMC K4M, NaCMC, and Sodium Alginate. Tablets were evaluated for pre- and post-compression parameters, surface pH, swelling index, mucoadhesive strength, FTIR compatibility, in-vitro drug release, and stability. Drug release kinetics were analyzed using zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Results: All formulations showed acceptable physical properties and uniform drug content. FH1 (HPMC-based) demonstrated optimum mucoadhesive strength (5.4 g), swelling index (96.5%), and sustained drug release (87.43% over 8 h) following zero-order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion. FTIR confirmed no drug-polymer interactions. Stability studies showed no significant change (p>0.05) after 90 days. Conclusion: The optimized HPMC K4M formulation (FH1) offers controlled, unidirectional drug release and improved bioavailability. This buccal delivery system presents a promising alternative to conventional Glibenclamide therapy, enhancing patient compliance in type 2 diabetes management.