Volume :
3
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Gastric emptying is a complex process, one that is highly variable and makes in vivo performance of drug delivery systems uncertain. A controlled drug delivery system with prolonged residence time in the stomach can be great practical importance for drugs with an absorption window in the upper small intestine. The main limitations are attributed to the inter- and intra-subject variability of gastrointestinal (GI) transit time and to the non-uniformity of drug absorption throughout the alimentary canal. Floating drug delivery systems are useful in such applications. Floating microspheres have been gaining attention due to the uniform distribution of these multiple-unit dosage forms in the stomach, which results in more reproducible drug absorption and reduced risk of local irritation. The present research briefly addresses the physiology of the gastric emptying process with respect to floating drug delivery systems. Floating microsphere were prepared by solvent evapouration method, using hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), Eudragit S 100 polymer in varying ratios. The shape and surface morphology of the microspheres were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy.