FORMULATION, EVALUATION AND IN-VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF ESOMEPRAZOLE LOADED FLOATING FILMS FOR GASTRIC DELIVERY

Esomeprazole is a class of drug called proton pump inhibitors used in the treatment of Gastro Esophageal Reflux disease. Floating drug delivery system for Esomeprazole in the form of drug loaded films were developed and characterized for improving bioavailability. The films were formulated by solvent evaporation method using different polymers like HPMC K4M and Eudragit RL-100 by using plasticizers Poly ethylene glycol (PEG)-400. The physiochemical compatibility of the drug and the polymers was studied by FT-IR spectroscopy. The results suggested no physiochemical incompatibility between the drug and the polymers. The films were characterized on the basis of their physical characteristics like weight uniformity, thickness, folding endurance, dispersion test, drug content. By evaluation of formulated films, we can find best formulation on basis of bio adhesive studies.

Keyword: Esomeprazole, Drug loaded floating films, Solvent evaporation method.