Determination of Formulation and Evaluation of Floating In situ Gel of Ciprofloxacin

Objective: The study's intention was to develop floating in situ gel formulations of Ciprofloxacin that have a narrow absorption window and are primarily absorbed in the proximal areas of the GIT. These formulations prolong the targeted action on bacteria and can be used to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections and urinary tract infections.

Methods: In situ gel formulations were created by varying the concentrations of sodium alginate, a bio-degradable polymer that forms in situ gels, and calcium carbonate, a cross-linking agent. Physical appearance, pH, in vitro drug release, viscosity, in vitro floating behavior, in vitro gelling capacity, and drug content were all evaluated in the formulations. Ciprofloxacin, excipients, and formulation optimization were all subjected to FTIR analysis.

Results: All of the formulations demonstrated optimal viscosity, allowing for easy administration and swallowing. All formulations floated for more than 12 hours with a floating lag time of 32-70 seconds. The in vitro gelling capacity increased as the polymer and gelling agent concentrations were increased. The rate and extent of drug release were reduced as polymer concentration increased. Among all formulations, F4 containing 4%w/v sodium alginate and 4%w/v calcium carbonate demonstrated sustained in vitro drug release (95.6%) over a 12-hour period. FTIR studies revealed that there was no interaction between the drug and the excipients used. The formulations' drug release followed first order kinetics with Fickian diffusion.

Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin was successfully developed as a pH-triggered floating in situ gelling system using sodium alginate.