Abstract
Gastroretentive floating drug delivery systems (GFDDS) of atenolol, an antihypertensive drug, with an oral bioavailability of only 50% (because of its poor absorption from lower gastrointestinal tract). Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose of different viscosity grades (K4M and K100M) were used as the polymers and sodium bicarbonate as gas generating agent to reduce floating lag time. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The addition of Guar gum aided in the reduction of the drug release due to its viscous nature. The concentration of these agents was also optimized to get desired sustained drug release. The floating formulations were evaluated for physical characterization, drug content, swelling index, in‐vitro drug release, hardness, friability and weight variation. The results indicated that gas powered floating tablets of Atenolol containing 37.5 mg HPMC K4M, 37.5 mg Guar gum, and 22.5 mg NaHCO3 provides a better release for 24 hrs i.e. 99.16%. The drug release pattern of this optimized formulation was found to be non‐fickian anomalous diffusion type.
