In vitro and in vivo studies of sustained-release floating dosage forms containing salbutamol sulfate

Peroral sustained-release floating capsules containing salbutamol sulfate were formulated using different combinations of hydrocolloids of natural and semi-synthetic origin. The floating properties and release rate characteristics were determined for the capsules in simulated gastric fluid USP XXI and HCl (0.1 mol.l-1) as dissolution media. Also, a marketed sustained-release non-floating capsule containing salbutamol sulfate was studied for its release rate characteristics. The floating capsule formulated showed a Higuchian release profile while the marketed product released only about 80% of the total dose in the stipulated 12 h in the dissolution medium. In vivo X-ray studies of the abdomen were carried out to locate the floating and non-floating (fabricated) dosage forms at various time intervals of uniform duration. The floating capsule definitely indicated a residence time (up to 8-9 h) in the stomach greater than for the non-floating capsule.