ABSTRACT:
In view of improving oral bioavailability of rabeprazole, in the present study multi-unit floating alginate microbeads of rabeprazole were prepared by ionotropic gelation method using sodium bicarbonate as gas forming agent. Effect of cross linking agent BaCl2 and CaCl2, concentration of gas forming agent and concentration of alginate on formulation was investigated. Prepared microbeads were evaluated for particle size, scanning electron microscopy, drug polymer compatibility, drug entrapment efficiency and drug release. The floating behavior of the alginate beads after dosing was observed in-vivo on healthy rabbits. The formulated beads were found to be spherical and free flowing. The surface topography and floating time was found to vary with change in concentration of gas forming agent and alginate concentration. All the formulations remained buoyant and controlled release for up to 10 hrs. As a Cross linking agent CaCl2 was found to be effective than BaCl2.Studies showed drug release from formulation was by supercase II-transport mechanism, following Peppas model.