A multiple-unit-type oral floating dosage form of loratadine was developed to prolong gastric residence time, target peptic ulcer and increase drug bioavailability. The purpose of present research work was to prepare calcium alginate beads containing water-soluble drug loratadine. A multiple-unit-type oral floating dosage form of loratadine was developed to prolong gastric residence time, target peptic ulcer and increase drug bioavailability. The floating bead formulations were prepared by dispersing loratadine together with calcium carbonate into a mixture of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution and then dripping the dispersion into a solution of calcium chloride. Calcium alginate beads were formed, as alginate undergoes ionotropic gelation by calcium ions and carbon dioxide develops from the reaction of carbonate salts with acid. The evolving gas permeated through the alginate matrix, leaving gas bubbles or pores, which provided the beads buoyancy. The prepared beads were evaluated for percent drug loading, drug entrapment efficiency, buoyancy and in-vitro release. The formulations were optimized for different weight ratios of gas-forming agent and sodium alginate.
Loading....