A floating multiparticulate system for ofloxacin based on a multilayer structure: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

The purpose of this research was to develop a novel gastroretentive multiparticulate system with floating ability. This system was designed to provide drug-loaded pellets coated with three successive coatings-the retarding film (ethyl cellulose), the effervescent layer (sodium bicarbonate) and the gas-entrapped polymeric membrane (Eudragit RL 30D). The floating pellets were evaluated for SEM, floating characteristic parameters, in vitro release and bioavailability in New Zealand rabbits. The zero-order release theory model is designed to interpret the release processes. Due to the swelling property, high flexibility and high water permeability, Eudragit RL 30D was used as a gas-entrapped polymeric membrane. The obtained pellets exhibit excellent floating ability and release characteristics. Analysis of the release mechanism showed a zero-order release for the first 8h because of the osmotic pressure of the saturated solution inside of the membrane, which was in accordance with that predicted. Abdominal X-ray images showed that the gastroretention period of the floating barium sulfate-labeled pellets was no less than 6h. The relative bioavailability of the floating pellets compared with reference tablets was 113.06 ± 23.83%. All these results showed that the floating pellets are a feasible approach for the gastroretentive drug delivery system.