Gastroretentive Floating Tablets Enclosing Nanosponge Loaded with Lafutidine for Gastric Ulcer: Formulation and Evaluation

Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate gastroretentive nanosponge loaded with lafutidine for a gastric ulcer to overcome the drawbacks of oral conventional dosage forms such as the inability to confine and locate within the desired region of the gastrointestinal tract due to variable gastric emptying and motility. The floating tablets of nanosponge were formulated to increase the bioavailability of lafutidine by prolonging retention time in the upper gastric region. Materials and Methods: The emulsion solvent diffusion method was used to prepare the nanosponge and 32 factorial design was employed to assess the influence of two independent variables ethyl cellulose: polyvinyl alcohol ratio and sonication time on particle size, entrapment efficiency and zeta potential of the prepared nanosponges. The optimized nanosponges were compressed into tablets by the direct compression method. Results: Statistical analysis revealed the significant effect of ethyl cellulose: polyvinyl alcohol ratio and sonication time on particle size, entrapment efficiency and zeta potential. The SEM images of the optimized formulation revealed the spherical shape and porous surface of the nanosponges. Pre and post-compression parameters of floating tablets found to be within the limit and the floating tablets of nanosponge remained buoyant for 24 h whereas nanosponges remained buoyant only for 7 h. The F1 formulation showed short lag time, maximum drug content (98.7%), sustained the drug release for 24 h and it was stable for the entire period study. Conclusion: The floating tablet of nanosponge is promising in retaining and controlling drug release for a pronged period of time in the stomach.