Investigative studies on novel floating tablets of clarithromycin for controlling Helicobacter pylori associated peptic ulcer disease

Background: Peptic ulcer disease was majorly caused by helicobacter pylori infection hence in the current study floating tablets of clarithromycin was formulated and evaluated to increase drugs local action in peptic ulcer therapy. Methods: Gastroretentive tablets were formulated with porous carrier, sodium bicarbonate and matrix carrier. The granules were studied for rheological and compressed tablets for post compressional parameters, floating parameters like floating lag time, duration of floating and also subjected for stability studies at 400±20C and 75±5 % RH. Results: The formulations exhibited uniform rheological and post compressional parameters. The tablets showed uniform drug content of clarithromycin with minimum standard deviation. Floating tablets showed density less than one with minimum floating lag time and longer duration of floating. Tablets showed nonfickian drug release of clarithromycin associated with swelling and erosion mechanism. The tablets were found to be stable with respect to drug content, in vitro studies and floating parameters during stability studies. Conclusion: The formulated floating tablets could be used for effective peptic ulcer therapy to release clarithromycin for prolonged period of time which acts locally on colonized H pylori in stomach mucosal lining