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Formulation and In-Vitro Characterization of Gastroretentive Effervescent Floating Tablets of Meloxicam
Wisam Ghazi Sanad1, Haidar Essam Jeleel2, Qasim Allawi Bader2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq. Wisam.Sanad@Alzahraa.edu.iq.
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding
|May 17, 2026
Summary
This study developed gastro-retentive effervescent floating tablets for meloxicam (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to improve drug release and gastric retention. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based formulations showed promising results for sustained drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam are widely used for pain and inflammation.
- Traditional oral formulations can lead to rapid drug release and suboptimal gastric residence time.
- Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems aim to prolong drug release and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate gastro-retentive effervescent floating tablets of meloxicam.
- To prolong gastric residence time and achieve controlled drug release of meloxicam.
- To investigate the impact of various polymers on tablet performance and drug release.
Main Methods:
- Meloxicam gastro-retentive effervescent floating tablets were prepared using the wet granulation technique.
- Polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium alginate, Carbopol 934, and xanthan gum were utilized.
- Gas-generating agents (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) were incorporated for buoyancy.
- Physicochemical properties, floating behavior, and in vitro drug release were evaluated.
Main Results:
- HPMC-based formulations exhibited favorable floating characteristics and sustained meloxicam release.
- Incorporation of Carbopol 934 with HPMC reduced meloxicam release to 92.9% over 12 hours.
- A combination of sodium alginate and xanthan gum further decreased drug release to 84.6% in 12 hours.
- All evaluated physicochemical properties were within acceptable pharmacopeial limits.
Conclusions:
- The developed gastro-retentive effervescent floating tablets of meloxicam demonstrated acceptable quality attributes.
- These formulations show potential for improved gastric retention and controlled drug release.
- The study highlights the suitability of HPMC-based formulations for enhanced meloxicam delivery.
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