Microsponge: A Novel Approach in Gastro-Retention Drug Delivery System (Grdds)

Abstract

Oral controlled release dosage forms face several physiological restriction like inability to retain and position the controlled drug delivery system within the targeted region of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) due to fluctuation in gastric emptying. This results in non uniform absorption pattern, inadequate medication release and shorter residence time of the dosage form in the stomach. As the fallout of this episode there is inadequate absorption of the drug having absorption window predominantly, in the upper area of GIT. These contemplations have provoked to the development of oral controlled release dosage forms with gastroretentive properties. Microsponge hold certification as one of the potential approaches for gastric retention. Microsponge are porous spherical empty particles without core and can remain in the gastric region for delayed periods. They significantly increase the gastric residence time of medication, thereby enhance bioavailability, improves patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency, lessen the medication waste, enhance retention of medication which solubilize only in stomach, enhance solubility for medications that are less soluble at a higher pH environment. In the present review method of preparation, characterization, advantages, disadvantages and applications of floating microsponge are discussed.