The present study aims towards the preparation and evaluation of floating microspheres of Cefixime with the main objective to prolong gastric residence time. The microspheres were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method using ethyl cellulose in different concentrations. The prepared microspheres were evaluated for their percentage yield, particle size, scanning electron microscopy, drug entrapment, in-vitro buoyancy, in-vitro drug release, drug release kinetics, FTIR spectroscopy, antimicrobial and stability study. The prepared microspheres exhibited prolonged drug release (~8 hours) and remained buoyant for >8 hours. The mean particle size increased and the drug release rate decreased at higher polymer concentration. From the results we can conclude that the floating microspheres loaded with Cefixime may enhance its gastric residence time and may reduce dosing frequency.
Key words: floating microspheres, Cefixime, gastric residence time, emulsion solvent diffusion method, ethyl cellulose.