Gastroretentive Floating Drug Delivery Systems: Pioneering Innovations for Sustained Drug Release

Abstract

Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have gained significant attention in pharmaceutical research due to their ability to prolong gastric residence time, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Floating drug delivery systems (FDDS), a prominent category of GRDDS, utilize buoyancy to remain afloat on gastric fluids, ensuring that the drug is released at a controlled rate. These systems are particularly advantageous for drugs with a narrow absorption window in the upper gastrointestinal tract, those unstable in the intestinal pH, or with poor solubility in alkaline conditions. This review discusses the principles, classification of GRDDS, advantages, limitations, mechanism of drug release and factors affecting gastric retention. Additionally, the applications of FDDS in treating various diseases are highlighted.