Development and in vitro evaluation of a novel contraceptive vaginal mucoadhesive propranolol hydrochloride film

Propranolol HCl is a ß-adrenergic blocker that is used to treat cardiovascular disorders. This drug also possesses local anesthetic activity and is a potent inhibitor of human sperm motility. These characteristics give a potential to this drug for use as a vaginal contraceptive. The purpose of the study was to formulate and evaluate mucoadhesive vaginal films of propranolol hydrochloride. The formulations were prepared by the solvent-casting method; and were evaluated for their in vitro dissolution characteristics, in vitro mucoadhesive properties and their physico mechanical properties. From among all the developed formations, only formulation F20 (containing Eudragit RS PO 5.5 %, HPMC 150001 %), could release its drug over 12 h, with a burst release at the initial phase for providing an immediate contraceptive effect, followed by a sustained release pattern. This formulation also exhibited satisfactory mucoadhesive strength and residence time was selected as the final formulation for a novel mucoadhesive vaginal film.