Formulation and in vitro characterization of ciprofloxacin floating and bioadhesive extended-release tablets.

Ciprofloxacin is mainly absorbed in the proximal areas of the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of our study was production of floating-bioadhesive tablets to lengthen the stay of drug in its absorption area. Effervescent tablets were made using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyacrylic acid (AA), polymetacrylic acid (MAA), citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate. Tablets with 5% effervescent base had longer lag time than 10%. The type of polymer had no significant effect on the floating lag time. All tablets floated atop the medium for 23-24 hr. Increasing CMC caused higher mucoadhesion than AA (p < 0.05). All formulations showed a Higuchi, non-Fickian release mechanism. Tablets with 10% effervescent base, 80% CMC/20% HPMC, or 80% AA /20% MAA seemed desirable.