FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLOATING IN SITU GEL OF CIPROFLOXACIN

Objective: The objective of the study was to develop floating in situ gel formulations of Ciprofloxacin that has a narrow absorption window and mainly absorbed in the proximal areas of GIT. These formulations increases the targeted action on bacteria for a longer time that can be used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections and urinary tract infections.Methods: In situ gel formulations were prepared by varying concentrations of sodium alginate as in situ gel forming bio-degradable polymer and calcium carbonate as a cross-linking agent. The formulations were evaluated for Physical appearance, pH, in vitro drug release, viscosity, in vitro floating behaviour, in vitro gelling capacity and drug content. FTIR was conducted for Ciprofloxacin, excipients used and optimized formulation.Results: All the formulations showed an optimum viscosity that will allow ease of administration and swallowing. Floating lag time of all formulations was between 32-70 seconds and floated for>12 h. The in vitro gelling capacity increased with increasing the polymer and gelling agent concentrations. Increase in polymer concentration decreased the rate and extent of the drug release. Among all the formulations, F4 containing 4% w/v of sodium alginate and 4% w/v of calcium carbonate showed sustained in vitro drug release (95.6%) over an extended period of 12 h. FTIR studies revealed no interaction between drug and excipients used. Drug release from the formulations followed First order kinetics with Fickian diffusion.Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin was successfully formulated as a pH-triggered floating in situ gelling system using sodium alginate