Abstract

DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF FLOATING EFFERVESCENT TABLETS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF CIPROFLOXACIN

P. Shakeena Sravanthi*, Bariki Rajasekhar, Dr. N. M. Vageesh and Dr. K. Jagadeesh

ABSTRACT

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of gastro-retentive floating matrix tablets of Ciprofloxacin HCl using a combination of natural and synthetic hydrophilic polymers. Sodium bicarbonate was employed as a gas-generating agent, and its optimal concentration was established to ensure effective tablet buoyancy. Formulations were prepared using different concentrations of polymers such as Sodium CMC, HPMC K4M, and Guar Gum. The formulation blends underwent preformulation studies, including flow property assessments, and exhibited satisfactory flow characteristics. FTIR analysis confirmed the absence of significant drug-excipient interactions, indicating the chemical stability of the drug within the formulations. All compressed tablets met the Indian Pharmacopoeial standards for parameters including weight variation, hardness, friability, and drug content uniformity. Among the developed formulations, those containing Sodium CMC did not achieve the desired sustained release profile. Guar Gum-based formulations extended the drug release beyond the target period and were thus excluded. The formulation containing 75 mg of HPMC K4M (CF6) demonstrated optimal release characteristics, achieving a sustained drug release of 96.33% over 12 hours. Furthermore, dissolution data analysis revealed that the optimized formulation followed the Higuchi model, indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. These findings suggest that the optimized HPMC K4M-based floating matrix tablet offers a promising approach for sustained oral delivery of Ciprofloxacin HCl, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in antibiotic therapy.

Keywords: Ciprofloxacin HCl, Floating Effervescent Tablets, natural and synthetic hydrophilic polymers.