FLOATING MICROSPHERE AS GASTRO RETENTIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: AN UPDATED REVIEW

Abstract

Floating drug delivery system is anticipated to float in long lasting way when come in contact with the gastric contents and subsequently to improve the drugs bioavailability. The different floating formulations which include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, granules and films are presently under research and development. Floating microspheres (FMs) are particularly getting importance because of their varied applicability for drug targeting to stomach. These gastro retentive FMs are systems having less density have the potential to float and distributed evenly through the entire gastric fluid, lessen the chances of gastric emptying and ensure the drug release for longer period of time. The FMs also enhances the patient compliance by diminishing the frequency of dosage. By employing FMs, significant therapeutic effect could be attained from drugs having short half-life. In this review we will discuss fundamentals of floating microspheres along with recent applications of floating microspheres.