A Bird Eye View on Effervescent Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Effervescent drug delivery systems (EDDS) have gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their unique characteristics and potential advantages over conventional dosage forms. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of EDDS, including their formulation strategies, underlying mechanisms, and diverse applications in drug delivery. EDDS are effervescent dosage forms that release drugs upon water dissolution, leading toward carbon dioxide gas generation. The effervescence, resulting from the reaction between an acid and a base, facilitates rapid drug dissolution and enhances drug bioavailability. The primary components of an EDDS include an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), effervescent agents (e.g., organic acids and bases), binders, disintegrants, and other excipients. Effervescent tablets, granules, powders, and effervescent-coated dosage forms are commonly employed formulations. Several factors, such as pH, temperature, solubility, and particle size, influence the drug’s effervescence process and subsequent release kinetics. The drug release mechanisms from EDDS can be attributed to various phenomena, including effervescence-driven disintegration, gas evolution, and solubilization. The effervescence-induced carbon dioxide bubbles mechanically disrupt the dosage form, leading to enhanced drug dissolution and subsequent release. Additionally, the carbon dioxide gas acts as a propellant, providing rapid drug delivery and potentially improving patient compliance. EDDS find applications in diverse therapeutic areas, including analgesics, antacids, dietary supplements, and antiviral agents. They offer several advantages, such as improved drug stability, enhanced bioavailability, increased patient convenience, and ease of administration, particularly for populations with swallowing difficulties. Furthermore, EDDS can be tailored to achieve controlled release, targeted drug delivery, and taste masking through appropriate formulation modifications. However, challenges associated with EDDS include their sensitivity to environmental conditions, potential drug degradation during effervescence, and the need for specialized packaging to maintain stability. The selection of suitable effervescent agents, excipients, and manufacturing processes is crucial to overcome these limitations and ensure consistent product performance. In conclusion, effervescent drug delivery