Formulation and in-vitro evaluation of Gastro retentive floating tablets of Cefixime Trihydrate by using Natural Polymers

The Floating drug delivery system is a novel approach in the Gastro retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS). Floating system is needed for those drugs having a stomach or upper small intestine absorption window. This process does not affect on the rate of gastric emptying over an extended time as it a less dense method and therefore stay buoyant in the stomach and slowly release the drug. System floats on the gastric contents thereby releasing the drug slowly at a desired rate from the system which results in an increased gastric residence time (GRT) and a better control of the fluctuations in plasma drug concentration. Floating systems utilize highly swellable and gel forming hydrocolloids like HPMC, CMC and Carbopol being widely used for their desirable properties. Excellent bioavailability, enhanced reliability, little incompatibility are the benefits of this technology. Floating tablets of Cefixime Trihydrate using natural polymers like Gum Copal, Isapgol husk and Fenugreek extract containing 25mg of Cefixime Trihydrate was prepared successfully using direct compression method. All the prepared formulations were evaluated for preformulation and post compression parameters. The floating behaviour and drug release study was assessed using USP dissolution apparatus and results exhibited satisfactory floating properties with a floating lag time of less than 2 minutes and remained buoyant for 12 hours. The drug release profile showed a controlled release pattern with a sustained release pattern. Of all the formulations, formulation (C4) prepared with Isapgol husk was considered best with a release of 99.68% in 12 hours. The release kinetics was also analysed to determine the drug release mechanism and follows a zero-order kinetic profile. Hence Gastro-retentive floating tablets of Cefixime Trihydrate using natural polymers were successfully formulated and found to be a promising formulation to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of Cefixime Trihydrate in the treatment of infections. Key Words: Floating Tablet, Natural polymers, Cefixime Trihydrat