Gastroretentive multiple-unit delivery system in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Calcium alginate floating units loaded with tetracycline were prepared by means an interfacial crosslinking reaction of sodium alginate drops with calcium ions and freeze-drying providing porous units with apparent density values less than that of the gastric juice. Such a technological approach has simplified a previous manufacture for the development of calcium alginate air-compartment floating units which showed actual buoyancy properties and prolonged Gastric Residence Time (GRT) in human trials in fed conditions. The formulation study provided a sample with optimum property in terms of drug loading level for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.