Formulation And Characterization Of Floating Bilayer Tablet Of Furosemide Using Natural Polymers

Abstract

Introduction: Floating bilayer tablets, designed to improve the bioavailability of drugs with narrow absorption windows or solubility issues, offer a promising solution for sustained drug delivery in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study focuses on formulating and characterizing floating bilayer tablets of furosemide, a diuretic with a short half-life and erratic absorption, using natural polymers to enhance its therapeutic performance.

Materials and Methods: The instant release layer of furosemide was prepared by direct compression using different super disintegrants. The gastroretentive control layer was also prepared by direct compression using various polymers. Pre-compression parameters such as bulk density, Carr’s index, and Hausner’s ratio were evaluated, followed by post-compression assessments including hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, and in vitro dissolution studies.

Results: Pre-compression evaluations showed satisfactory flow properties and compressibility. Post-compression assessments confirmed adequate tablet strength, uniformity, and low friability, ensuring product integrity. The optimized bilayer tablet formulation demonstrated controlled and sustained drug release over 12 hours, indicating improved therapeutic efficacy and prolonged gastric retention.

Conclusion: The study successfully formulated and characterized floating bilayer tablets of furosemide, showing potential for enhanced drug absorption and therapeutic outcomes. These tablets could reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance. Further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are recommended to validate their clinical effectiveness.