Bioadhesive formulations have a wide scope of application for both
systemic and local effects of the drug. The oral transmucosal drug
delivery bypasses liver and avoids pre-systemic elimination. The
strategies to overcome such obstacles include the employment of new
materials that, possibly, combine mucoadhesive and penetration enhancer
properties and the design of novel drug delivery systems which, besides
improving patient compliance, favor a more intimate contact of the drug
with the absorption mucosa. Cellulose derivatives like HPMC is having
good mucoadhesive property however it's potential can be increased by
inclusion of plant derived gum like gum karaya. Diclofenac is a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with pain relieving
properties. It is used to treat many painful conditions, inflammation,
swelling, and /or stiffness caused by several conditions and acute
postoperative pain. One form of diclofenac, the potassium salt, is more
effective at the same dose than the other form of diclofenac, the sodium
salt. In view of first pass effect it has been selected as model drug
for the study.