An Experimental investigation based on a Novel Gastro-Retentive Raft Liquid Dosage Form in Tandem with Controlled-Release Strategies for Oral Delivery of Metronidazole

Background: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and duodenum. The most common inducer of peptic ulcers includes Helicobacter pylori as the primary pathogen. The present study aimed to design and develop a novel gastro-retentive raft liquid dosage formulation to prolong the gastric retention time of the medicament to treat H. pylori infection. Methods: Metronidazole-loaded raft formulations were prepared using ion-sensitive in situ gel-forming polymers. The formulation was floated within 1 minute on the liquid surface of the in vitro model and maintained floatation for more than 24 hours. Results: Among those formulations, formulation F5 exhibited results within acceptable limits compared with the other batches of formulations. The in vitro drug release was 81.83 ± 0.54 % after 8 hours in 0.1 M HCl. The drug, metronidazole, was released from the dosage form slowly in the stomach. The formulation followed first-order release kinetics, and metronidazole was released from the formulation as a combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. Conclusions: Thus, the proposed metronidazole-loaded raft formulation would be a promising novel site-specific drug delivery system and has a potential utility in the therapy of peptic ulcers induced by H. pylori.