Abstract

Cefaclor loaded floating microspheres were formulated for enhancing gastric residence time to improve its oral absorption and to get sustained drug delivery and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo studies. Microspheres were prepared by using HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose as the rate controlling polymers by emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The formulated floating microspheres were characterized for their yield, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release and buoyancy. The optimized formulation (F6) showed 93.6±1.25% of drug release after 12h and 78.8±2.5% of entrapment efficiency. All the formulations have good buoyancy which were floated over 12h in the dissolution medium. Optimized formulation was studied for in vivo pharmacokinetic activity. Optimized formulation treated group shown significant (p<0.01) improvement in bioavailability and prolonged plasma profile as compared to pure drug treated group. Cefaclor loaded microspheres are hence expected to give new choice for safe, economical, sustained and increased bioavailability of formulation for effective antibiotic therapy.