FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLOATING ORAL IN-SITU GEL OF METRONIDAZOLE

Objective: The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate a gastro-retentive in situ gelling system of metronidazole. Methods: Sodium alginate based metronidazole floating in situ gelling systems were prepared by dissolving sodium alginate in distilled water, to which varying concentrations of viscosity enhancing polymer (methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or sodium carboxymethylcellulose), drug, and gas-forming agent (s) as calcium carbonate/and sodium bicarbonate were added and dissolved by stirring. Prepared formulae were evaluated for viscosity, floating behavior, drug content and in vitro drug release behavior. Results: Formulation variables such as the type and concentration of viscosity enhancing polymer, the concentration of gas-forming agents affected the formulation viscosity, floating behavior and in vitro drug release. Conclusion: The prepared in situ gelling formulations of metronidazole could float in the gastric conditions and release the drug in controlled manner. The prepared formulations appear to be promising drug delivery system for localized delivery of metronidazole for better treatment of peptic ulcer disease caused by H. pylori