A Recent Update on Formulation and Development of Gastro-Retentive Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Oral route has been the most convenient and accepted route of drug delivery. Owing to tremendous curative benefits of the oral controlled release dosage forms are being preferred as the interesting topic in pharmaceutical field to achieved improved therapeutics advantages. Gastro retentive drug delivery system is novel drug delivery systems which has an upper hand owing to its ability of prolonged retaining ability in the stomach and thereby increase gastric residence time of drugs and also improves bioavailability of drugs. Concept of novel drug delivery system arose to overcome the certain aspect related to physicochemical properties of drug molecule and the related formulations. In this context, various gastro retentive drug delivery systems have been used to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs that have a narrow absorption window, are unstable at alkaline pH, are soluble in acidic conditions, and are active locally in the stomach. Concept of novel drug delivery system arose to overcome the certain aspect related to physicochemical properties of drug molecule and the related formulations. Various approaches are currently used including gastro retentive floating drug delivery systems, swelling and expanding system, polymeric bio adhesive systems, modified shape systems, high density system and other delayed gastric emptying devices. Moreover, future perspectives on this technology are discussed to minimize the gastric emptying rate in both the fasted and fed states. The present review briefly addresses the physiology of the gastric emptying process with respect to floating drug delivery systems. The purpose of this review is to bring together the recent literature with respect to the method of preparation, and various parameters affecting the performance and characterization of floating microspheres. Attempt has been made to summarize important factors controlling gastro retentive drug delivery systems. Overall, this review may inform and guide formulation scientists in designing the gastro retentive drug delivery system.