Abstract: 
Transmucosal patches of Lignocaine were developed and evaluated so as to achieve complete release and permeation of the drug within early minutes of application. Permeability of Lignocaine base (LB) and Lignocaine HCl salt (LH) were accessed through porcine buccal mucosa and dialysis membrane. Patches were prepared with mucoadhesive film forming polymers Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (SCMC), Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose (HPC, Grades JF, LF, LXF and MF), Hydroxy Propyl Methyl cellulose (HPMC) Labrafac PG (LPG) as permeation enhancer by solvent casting method over the dried ethyl cellulose (EC) backing. Permeation was further enhanced by addition of natural permeation enhancer clove oil and olive oil individually. Patches were evaluated for appearance, weight and thickness and content uniformity, surface pH, folding endurance, in vitro residence time, in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, mucoadhesive and tensile strength, FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM. The release and permeation of LB from HPC-LF patch with clove oil was promising. Also the in vitro residence time, mucoadhesion and tensile strength was satisfactory. FTIR and DSC confirmed compatibility between the drug and the polymer.

Keywords: Lignocaine, Transmucosal Patch, Mucoadhesive Strength, In Vitro Release, Ex Vivo Permeation.