FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GEMFIBROZIL GASTRORETENTIVE SUSTAIN RELEASE TABLETS USING NATURAL POLYMERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56802/3nh3h672Keywords:
Gemfibrozil, Gastroretentive tablets, Gellan gum, Gum Arabic,, Sustained release,, Natural polymers, Floating drug delivery,, Drug release kineticsAbstract
The present study aimed to develop and evaluate gastroretentive sustained release (GRSR)
matrix tablets of Gemfibrozil, a lipid-lowering agent with a short half-life and narrow absorption
window. To enhance its gastric retention and improve bioavailability, natural polymers such as
Gellan gum and Gum Arabic were used as matrix-forming agents. Six formulations (F1–F6)
were prepared using the direct compression method, incorporating sodium bicarbonate and citric
acid as gas-generating agents for buoyancy. Pre-compression parameters including angle of
repose, Carr’s index, and Hausner ratio indicated good flow properties of the powder blends.
Post-compression evaluation confirmed uniform tablet weight, sufficient hardness, low friability,
and consistent drug content across all formulations. All tablets exhibited a floating lag time of
less than 65 seconds and a total floating time of over 12 hours.
