Introduction to Gastroretentive Drug Delivery Systems
Gastroretentive Drug Delivery Systems are designed to prolong the gastric residence time of drugs, enhancing their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.
These systems are particularly beneficial for drugs that are absorbed primarily in the stomach or upper small intestine, have a narrow absorption window, or are unstable in the intestinal or colonic environment.
Advantages
Enhanced Bioavailability: Prolonged gastric retention increases the absorption of drugs with narrow absorption windows.
Improved Therapeutic Effect: Maintains steady plasma drug concentrations.
Reduced Dosing Frequency: Enhances patient compliance by reducing the need for frequent dosing.
Targeted Delivery: Beneficial for local treatment of gastric diseases.
Disadvantages
Variability in Gastric Emptying: Gastric residence time can be unpredictable due to physiological factors.
Potential for Gastric Irritation: Prolonged contact with the gastric mucosa may cause irritation.
Complex Formulation: Developing a system that remains in the stomach requires sophisticated design.