Formulation and Evaluation of Floating Drug Delivery System of Caffeine

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate a Floating Drug Delivery System (FDDS) of caffeine using natural and synthetic polymers such as Gum Copal, Gum Damar, and Ethyl Cellulose. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant with a narrow absorption window in the upper gastrointestinal tract, requires a formulation that ensures prolonged gastric retention to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness.

Floating tablets were prepared by direct compression method, incorporating sodium bicarbonate as a gas-generating agent to achieve buoyancy. The prepared formulations were evaluated for various pre-compression and post-compression parameters including hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, floating lag time, total floating duration, and in vitro drug release.

Among the various formulations, the optimized batch exhibited a floating lag time of less than 1 minute and sustained buoyancy for more than 12 hours. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated controlled and prolonged release of caffeine over 12 hours, with a cumulative drug release exceeding 99.38%. The combination of Gum Copal, Gum Damar, and Ethyl Cellulose contributed to the sustained matrix formation and floating efficiency.

The study concludes that the developed floating tablet formulation of caffeine using both natural and synthetic polymers can be a promising approach for gastroretentive drug delivery, offering improved.