Abstract

The purpose of this research was to fabricate and optimize Gastro-retentive drug delivery system for Metoclopramide Hydrochloride. The effect of ethyl cellulose and sodium alginate on the drug release profile and floating properties was evaluated. Sodium carbonate was incorporated as gas generating agent. The addition of ethyl cellulose reduces the drug dissolution rate due to its hydrophobic nature. A D-Optimal Technique was applied systematically to optimize the drug release profile. The amounts of ethyl cellulose (X1) and sodium alginate (X2) were selected as independent variables. The cumulative percent of drug released at 8, 12 and 16 hours were selected as dependent variables. The study shows that, tablet composition and mechanical strength have great influence on floating properties and drug release. All formulations were evaluated for dimensional analysis, duration of buoyancy, floating lag time, drug content and in-vitro drug release. Optimized formulation’s data was subjected to various release kinetic models. The drug release was sufficiently sustained for 24 hours. Model equations of zero and first order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell and Peppas, intended to elucidate the drug release mechanism, were fitted to the release data. The zero order release was observed with r2 values of 0.98. The difference in the release pattern and kinetics can be explained by the different swelling and erosion behaviors.