FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLOATING TABLETS OF CELECOXIB

The objective of the present investigation was to develop a floating tablet for celecoxib using direct compression technology. HPMC K100LV, Ethyl Cellulose and effervescent sodium bicarbonate formed the floating tablet. The floating tablet contained celecoxib and various polymers such as HPMC K100LV, Ethyl Cellulose, alone or in combination with effervescent. The floating behavior and in vitro dissolution studies were carried out in a USP 23 apparatus 2 in simulated gastric fluid (without enzyme, pH 1.2). Final formulation released approximately 95% drug in 24 h in vitro, while the floating lag time was not more than 1.45 min and the tablet remained floatable throughout all studies. Final formulation followed the physical appearance, drug content, floatability or in vitro dissolution pattern after storage at 45 °C/75% RH for three months. Placebo formulation containing barium sulphate in the floating administered to author for in vivo X-ray studies showed that floating tablet had significantly increased the gastric residence time.