Formulation and in-vitro evaluation gastroretentive drug delivery system of Cefixime for prolong release

In present research work to develop cefixime gastroretentive tablets for prolong release and increased gastric retention time. Cefixime is third generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefixime is slowly and incompletely absorbed from the GIT, which resulting into the poor bioavailability 40-50 %. Cefixime gastroretentive tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The powder blend was subjected for pre-compressional parameters. The prepared tablets are evaluated to post-compressional parameters. Drug compatibility with excipients was checked by DSC and FTIR studies. The values of pre-compression parameters evaluated were within prescribed limits and indicated good free flowing property. The values of post-compressional parameters evaluated were within acceptable limits. The results of buoyancy and lag time study, the values of in-vitro buoyancy time ranges from 32 to 654 min where as floating lag time ranges from 2.36 to 57 min. The formulation GRT-5 shows the lag time 2.36 min and buoyancy time 654 min. These results revealed that as the concentration of sodium bicarbonate increases there is increase in total buoyancy time and decrease in lag time. The citric acid level in the formulations greatly influenced the drug release. The release of cefixime from all the formulations in the range of 33.53 - 58.15 % at the end of 6 hrs and 58.41 - 95.34 % at the end of 12 hrs. The formulation, GRT-5 shows 58.15 % drug release in 6 hrs and 95.34 % drug release at the end of 12 hrs. DSC and FT-IR studies revealed that, there was no incompatibility of the drug with the excipients used. The stability study conducted as per the ICH guidelines and the formulations were found to be stable. Form this study, it is concluded that, the formulation retained for longer periods of time in the stomach and provides prolong release of the drug. Hence it may increase the therapeutic efficacy of the drug by increasing the bioavailability.

Author(s): N. G. Raghavendra Rao, Harsh A Panchal and Pentewar Ram

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