A Review on Current Advances in Gastro-retentive Drug Delivery Systems

Review Article

Abstract

Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) are versatile pharmaceutical formulations designed to extend the residence time of dosage forms in the stomach, thereby improving the bioavailability of drugs with absorption windows in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The physiological variations of the stomach, including variations in pH, motility patterns, and food effects, present both challenges and opportunities in GRDDS development. Multiple technological approaches have emerged to achieve gastric retention, including floating systems, mucoadhesive platforms, expandable formulations, and high-density systems. Floating systems, categorized into effervescent and non-effervescent types, maintain buoyancy through various mechanisms such as gas generation or low-density matrices. Mucoadhesive systems exploit polymer-mucin interactions, while expandable systems utilize controlled swelling to prevent pyloric passage. These technological advances have particularly benefited drugs with poor absorption characteristics, short half-lives, or those requiring local gastric action. The incorporation of novel polymers, optimization of formulation parameters, and understanding of physiological factors have led to significant improvements in GRDDS performance. Despite these advances, challenges persist regarding the variability in gastric retention time, potential local irritation, and formulation complexity. Recent developments in polymer science and drug delivery technology continue to address these limitations, making GRDDS an increasingly viable option for optimizing oral drug delivery