An Updated Overview of Gastro-retentive Floating Drug Delivery Systems: Formulation Strategies and Application

Gastro-retentive floating drug delivery systems (GRFDDS) have emerged as a significant advancement in enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of various medications. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent innovations in GRFDDS, highlighting their formulation strategies, mechanisms of buoyancy, and various applications in drug delivery. The role of various polymeric materials, gas-forming agents, and optimization techniques is discussed which are generally employed to develop effective floating systems. Additionally, keen insight is brought on applications of GRFDDS in treating gastrointestinal disorders, enhancing the pharmacokinetics of drugs with narrow absorption windows, and their potential in controlled-release formulations. In this review, authors compiled the recent reported literatures about the gastro-retentive floating drug delivery systems since 2015 to underline the effectiveness and safety profiles of these systems. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge and inspire future research directions in the development of GRFDDS for improved patient outcomes. Keywords: Floating; Gastro-retentive; drug delivery; HPMC; Effervescent