Development and Evaluation of Levocetirizine-Loaded Medicated Chocolate for Improved Paediatric Compliance
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to develop and evaluate levocetirizine-loaded medicated chocolates as a patient-friendly dosage form for paediatric patients to improve palatability, acceptability, and compliance while ensuring effective drug delivery. Methods: Medicated chocolates containing levocetirizine dihydrochloride were prepared by a heating and congealing technique using sucrose, corn syrup, cocoa powder, and microcrystalline cellulose. Three formulations (F1-F3) were developed by varying the concentrations of sucrose, corn syrup, and cocoa powder. The prepared chocolates were evaluated for physicochemical properties including diameter, thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, surface pH, drug content, and in vitro drug release. Drug-excipient compatibility was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: All formulations exhibited satisfactory physical characteristics with uniform dimensions and weight distribution. The hardness of the chocolates ranged from 11.2 ± 0.6 to 13.1 ± 0.9 kg/cm², while friability values remained below 1%, indicating adequate mechanical strength. Surface pH values were within the acceptable salivary pH range (6.7-6.8), suggesting suitability for oral administration. Drug content was found to be between 97.8 ± 1.3% and 99.1± 0.9%, demonstrating uniform drug distribution. In vitro dissolution studies revealed rapid drug release, with all formulations releasing more than 98% of levocetirizine within…
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