Studies on Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System for Ritonavir Tablets Using Natural Polymers

The purpose of this study is to prepare and evaluate floating tablets of ritonavir (RN) in order to improve drug bioavailability by extending gastric residence time. Because of its short biological half-life, RN, an antiretroviral agent used to treat HIV and viral diseases, was chosen as a model drug in this study (3-5 hrs). Furthermore, it is primarily absorbed through the stomach. The dry granulation technique was used to make RN floating tablets, which contained guar gum and xanthan gum as polymers, sodium bicarbonate as an effervescent agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone as a binding agent, Dicalcium phosphate as diluents, crospovidone as a swelling agent, and magnesium stearate as a lubricant. The findings indicated that the drug and polymers were not incompatible. The physical properties of the prepared tablets were evaluated. All of the parameters were within pharmacopoeial tolerances. Tablets' floating properties and in vitro drug release characteristics were also investigated. The drug release profiles of the tablets were controlled and prolonged. The formulation developed was found to be stable. The developed floating tablets of RN have a 12-hour release time, which may improve bioavailability and reduce fluctuations in plasma drug concentrations.