FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GASTRO-RETENTIVE FLOATING TABLETS OF PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE USING HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS

Gastro-retentive floating drug delivery systems (GRFDDS) are designed to prolong gastric residence time, improve bioavailability, and ensure controlled release of drugs that are preferentially absorbed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. The present investigation aimed to formulate and evaluate gastro-retentive floating tablets of Propranolol Hydrochloride using hydrophilic polymers such as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Carbopol. The tablets were prepared by the wet granulation technique employing sodium bicarbonate as a gas-generating agent to achieve buoyancy. The prepared formulations were subjected to precompression and post-compression evaluations, including hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content uniformity, swelling index, floating lag time, total floating duration, and in vitro dissolution studies. The optimized formulation exhibited a floating lag time of less than one minute and remained buoyant for over twelve hours, demonstrating effective gastric retention. In vitro release studies indicated a sustained drug release up to twelve hours following non-Fickian diffusion kinetics. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the absence of chemical interaction between the drug and polymers, ensuring COMPUTER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (ISSN NO:1000-1239) VOLUME 26 ISSUE 1 2026 PAGE NO: 19formulation stability. The findings highlight that combining HPMC and Carbopol effectively modulates drug release and prolongs gastric retention, enhancing bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. The developed floating tablet system of Propranolol Hydrochloride presents a promising approach for achieving controlled release, reducing dosing frequency, and improving patient compliance in the management of cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and angina pectoris.