Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GASTRO RETENTIVE FLOATING MICROSPHERES OF FELODIPINE

Dr. Radhika Parasuram Rajam*, Praveen

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the research work was to prepare and evaluate the floating Microspheres of Felodipine as a model drug in prolongation of Gastric retention time for oral delivery. Felodipine is a cardiovascular drug, where it requires frequent dosing to maintain the therapeutic effect. The Floating microspheres of Felodipine were prepared by solvent evaporation method using PEG 4000, Sodium Alginate and HPMC K 100 as a rate controlling polymers. The floating microspheres were evaluated for micromeritic properties, particle size, % yield, invitro buoyancy, incorporation efficiency and drug release. The size of average diameter of prepared microspheres were recognized and characterized by scanning electron microscopic method. The prepared microspheres were found to be spherical and free flowing and remain buoyant for more than 12 hours due to the hollow cavity present in the microspheres. The drug loaded microspheres (F3) showed encapsulation efficiencies up to 93.72 % and also good micromeritic properties for their suitability as oral dosage forms. The microspheres having lower densities exhibited good buoyancy effect and hence, these could be retained in the gastric environment or more than 12 hours. Thus the present formulations would be capable of reducing the frequency of administration and the dose – dependent side effects associated with the repeated administration of conventional Felodipine Tablets.

Keywords: Felodipine, Sodium Alginate, PEG 4000, Solvent Evaporation Method, Gastro retentive floating microspheres.