ADVANCES IN GASTRORETENTIVE FLOATING MATRIX TABLETS: FORMULATION STRATEGIES AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract:

Gastroretentive floating matrix tablets (GRDFs) are designed to improve the bioavailability of drugs that are predominantly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The effectiveness of orally administered drugs is often compromised by rapid gastric emptying, leading to reduced drug release and absorption. GRDFs address these challenges by prolonging gastric residence time, thereby enhancing drug solubility and extending the half-life of dosage forms in the stomach. Various techniques, such as hydrodynamically balanced systems, raft-forming systems, bioadhesive systems, and high-density systems, have been developed to achieve prolonged gastric retention. Factors such as dosage form density, size, shape, food intake, and patient characteristics influence gastric retention. Advantages of GRDFs include improved bioavailability, reduced dosing frequency, site-specific drug delivery, and minimized drug concentration fluctuations. However, challenges such as the requirement for high fluid levels, issues with drugs that undergo first-pass metabolism, and the stability of gastro-retentive devices limit their application. Future research should focus on optimizing these systems for better therapeutic outcomes.Keywords: Floating Drug Delivery System (FDDS), Gastric Emptying Time, Absorption Window, Applications.

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