How well do floating dosage forms float?

Abstract

Abstract Peroral floating dosage forms have up to now been used and prescribed without having achieved any determination of their real floating capabilities versus time. Using a novel in vitro resultant-weight measuring system, the authors present different examples of floating-force kinetics obtained from polymeric matrix floating forms, amongst which several are marketed products and others have undergone in vivo experiments conducted on human volunteers. The floating curves are showing that the bulk density of a dosage form is not the most appropriate parameter for describing its buoyancy capabilities. These capabilities are, however, perfectly represented and monitored by resultant-weight measurements. Results also indicate that the magnitude of floating strength may vary as a function of time and usually decreases after immersion of the dosage form into the fluid consequently to the evolution of its hydrodynamical equilibrium. To prevent drawbacks of unforeseeable floating capability variations during in vivo studies, the authors suggest optimization of dosage form formulations to be realised with respect to the significance level, the stability and durability of the floating forces produced.