Development and In Vitro Assessment of Clarithromycin Encapsulated Floating Microballoons for Targeted Gastric Drug Delivery

Gastric ulcers and Helicobacter pylori–associated infections remain significant clinical challenges, often requiring sustained gastric drug exposure for effective therapy. Clarithromycin, a key antibiotic used in H. pylori eradicate ion regimens, exhibits limitations such as short gastric residence time and variable bioavailability following conventional oral administration. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a gastroretentive floating microballoon system of clarithromycin to enhance gastric retention, controlled drug release, and therapeutic efficacy.Floating microballoons of clarithromycin were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique employing suitable polymers and excipients. The formulated microballoons were characterized for particle size, percentage yield, drug entrapment efficiency, surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy SEM , in vitro buoyancy, and in vitro drug release behavior. Compatibility between the drug and excipients was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectroscopy. The prepared microballoons exhibited spherical shape with hollow internal structure, good flow properties, and satisfactory entrapment efficiency. In vitro buoyancy studies demonstrated prolonged floating behavior, indicating effective gastric retention. Drug release studies revealed a sustained release profile over an extended period, suggesting controlled diffusion of clarithromycin from the polymeric matrix. The results indicate that clarithromycin loaded floating microballoons represent a promising gastroretentive drug delivery system capable of enhancing gastric residence time and improving bioavailability. This approach may offer an effective alternative to conventional oral dosage forms for targeted gastric drug delivery in the management of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infections. Atul Raj | Mr. Ashvani Kumar "Development and In-Vitro Assessment of Clarithromycin-Encapsulated Floating Microballoons for Targeted Gastric Drug Delivery" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-9 | Issue-6 , December 2025, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd99978.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/pharmacy/pharmaceutics/99978/development-and-invitro-assessment-of-clarithromycinencapsulated-floating-microballoons-for-targeted-gastric-drug-delivery/atul-raj