Abstract

HYDRODYNAMICALLY BALANCED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: APPROACH FOR GASTRIC RETENTION OF DRUGS

Balmukund Rathi* and Vikas Jain

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Abstract

The hydrodynamically balanced system is an oral dosage form (capsule or tablet) that is designed to prolong the residence time of the dosage form within the GIT. It is a formulation of drug with gel forming hydrocolloids meant to remain buoyant in stomach contents. This not only prolongs gastrointestinal residence time but does in an area of GI tract that would maximize the drug reaching its absorption site in solution and hence ready for absorption. Floating dosage forms having a bulk density lower than gastric fluid remain buoyant in the stomach content without affecting gastric emptying rate. Hence it is called as hydrodynamically balanced system. Gastroretentive drug delivery systems –GRDDS are helping in absorption of drug for long duration of time by controlling release drug for intended time. These delivery systems gets retained in the stomach for longer periods of time. Gastroretentive drug delivery systems are more suitable for drugs with narrow therapeutic window and prone to degradation in intestine and colon alongwith drugs having low retention time in GIT. These drug delivery system stays long time in stomach thus increasing gastric residence time and reduces dosing frequency. Present review article indicates the various methods of GRDDS for increasing retention time of drugs in GIT.

Keywords: Gastroretentive drug delivery systems, Gastric residence time, Dosing frequency.