DefinePK

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an intragastric floating drug delivery system (FDDS) for clarithromycin to prolong its release and improve its bioavailability. Clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has a short half-life and is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, necessitating the development of a controlled-release formulation. Floating beads were formulated using a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers to achieve prolonged gastric retention. Various preformulation studies, including drug-excipient compatibility and solubility enhancement, were conducted. The beads were evaluated for buoyancy, drug release profiles, and in vitro dissolution rates. The results indicated that the optimised formulation provided sustained release for 12 h with excellent floating properties. This study underscores the potential of FDDS to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of clarithromycin by extending its gastric residence time and improving patient compliance.