Ion-exchange, an Approach to Prepare an Oral Floating Drug Delivery System for Diclofenac

Abstract

Using ion-exchange resins, a multiple-unit type of oral floating dosage system has been prepared to prolong gastric emptying time of dosage form. The system is composed of beads of drug-resin complex, which are loaded with bicarbonate ions and coated with a hydrophobic polymer. The system is so designed that when the beads reach the stomach, chloride ions are exchanged with bicarbonate and drug ions. The generated CO2 is entrapped in the polymeric coated resins and causes the beads to float.