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Abstract

To address the challenges posed by ondansetron’s (Ond) brief biological half-life—which often limits its bioavailability and therapeutic impact—the creation of a gastroretentive controlled-release system represents a highly effective strategic approach. This research details the fabrication of ondansetron-loaded alginate floating beads synthesized via the ionotropic gelation technique. The resultant beads underwent comprehensive characterization, including assessments of drug entrapment efficiency, percentage yield, floating lag time, sustained buoyancy duration, and in vitro dissolution profiles. Furthermore, the optimal formulation was subjected to morphological analysis and an in vivo buoyancy evaluation. Data revealed that the developed beads exhibited a drug content ranging from 91.6 ± 1.2% to 98 ± 1.1% and a process yield between 85% and 97.8%. The delivery system demonstrated a floating lag time of 2–30 minutes, sustained in vitro buoyancy exceeding 24 hours, and cumulative drug release profiles spanning 75% ± 0.3% to 100% ± 0.36%. Additionally, F2, which consists of 1% Na alg, 0.5% HPMCK4M, 1% CaCO_3, and 2% CaCl_2, was selected as an optimum formula with an in vivo buoyant time of > 6 hrs. In conclusion, Ond alginate-based beads could be considered as promising strategy to decrease dosing frequency, improve the pharmacological activity, and enhance patient compliance‎.

Keywords: Buoyancy, Gastroretentive, Floating beads, Ondansetron HCl

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