Keywords:Floating , controlled-release, Buoyancy, Bioavailability, Raft forming system

ABSTRACT

The experimental results indicate that the combination of sodium bicarbonate and sodium alginate plays a significant role in influencing the buoyancy lag time of the floating raft-forming tablets. This finding is crucial, as buoyancy is a key factor in the effectiveness of controlled-release formulations, particularly for drugs like Timolol maleate that require prolonged therapeutic effects. Moreover, the study highlights that HPMC K15M, in conjunction with sodium alginate, has a predominant effect on the drug release profile. The in vitro release studies demonstrated that the F3 formulation exhibited a controlled release profile over a 12-hour period. This is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests that the formulation can maintain therapeutic levels of Timolol maleate in the bloodstream for an extended duration, which is essential for managing conditions such as glaucoma and hypertension.