Film wound dressing with local anesthetic based on insoluble carboxymethycellulose matrix

The aim of the presented research was to formulate, prepare and evaluate novel film wound dressings containing lidocaine hydrochloride. The conversion of partially substituted fibrous sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to an acidic form of CMC enabled the formation of an insoluble matrix which consequently provided the prepared films with excellent handling properties in their wet state. The drug concentration which was incorporated into an external layer of the film was 5 mg/cm(2). The films demonstrated satisfactory mass and drug content uniformity as well as an acidic surface pH advantageous for wound application. An in vitro drug release test proved that the insoluble CMC matrix served as a reliable carrier without slowing down the release of lidocaine hydrochloride - more than 90% of the drug was released during the first 15 min, indicating a quick rate of anesthetic action. The prepared films could be potential wound dressings for comfortable and efficient topical anesthesia before/after procedures on the wound. (C) 2017 Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice. Published by Elsevier Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.