Development and assessment of gastro retentive floating tablets of celiprolol using natural polymers

Abstract

Gastro retentive floating tablets are a promising drug delivery system for improving the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of orally administered drugs, particularly those with a narrow absorption window in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate gastro retentive floating tablets of Celiprolol using natural polymers. The tablets were formulated by incorporating a combination of natural polymers, including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium alginate, to achieve buoyancy and sustained drug release. Various formulation parameters, such as polymer concentration, drug-to-polymer ratio, and effervescent agents, were optimized to attain desired tablet characteristics. The prepared tablets were evaluated for their physical characteristics, floating behavior, drug release profile, and drug stability. The optimized formulation demonstrated excellent floating properties, with a floating lag time of less than 60 seconds and a floating duration of more than 12 hours. In vitro drug release studies revealed sustained release of Celiprolol from the tablets over a period of 12 hours. The drug release kinetics followed the Higuchi model, suggesting diffusion as the predominant mechanism. Stability studies indicated that the floating tablets maintained their physical and drug release characteristics over a period of six months under accelerated storage conditions. Overall, the developed gastro retentive floating tablets of Celiprolol using natural polymers showed promising characteristics in terms of floating behavior, sustained drug release, and stability. This formulation has the potential to improve the therapeutic outcomes of Celiprolol by enhancing its bioavailability and ensuring prolonged drug exposure in the gastrointestinal tract. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate the efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of these tablets for potential clinical applications in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular condition.