Abstract

A REVIEW: FLOATING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM (FDDS)

Kirti Patial, J. S. Dua, Muse Menra and D. N. Prasad

Abstract

Current pharmaceutical scenario focuses on the formulation of floating drug delivery system (FDDS). Floating drug delivery systems are low density systems that float over the gastric contents and remain buoyant in the stomach for a prolonged period of time without affecting the gastric emptying rate. They provide an efficient means for improving the drug bioavailability; reducing drug wastage and better patient compliance by increasing the gastric residence time and provide controlled drug delivery. The gastric emptying of a dosage form is a complex process and one of the biggest hindrance in the better absorption and increases bioavailability of oral drug delivery system. Floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) are a convenient approach to overcome this variability by increasing the gastric retention time of the drug delivery systems. FDDS are of great interest for drugs that are locally active and narrow absorption window in stomach or upper small intestine, unstable in the intestinal environment and also exhibit low solubility at high pH values. The aim of writing this review on floating drug delivery systems is to compile the current literature with important focus on the principal mechanism of floatation to attain gastric retention. The review briefly describes the floating mechanism, types of floating system, advantages, limitation, factors affecting floating system, drug candidates suitable for floating, evaluation parameters and application of the system.

Keywords: Floating Drug Delivery System (FDDS), Gastric Emptying Time, Absorption Window, Evaluation, Applications.