In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of repaglinide loaded floating microspheres prepared from different viscosity grades of HPMC polymer

During the study repaglinide encapsulated floating microspheres were formulated and characterized for enhancing residence time of drug in git and thereby increasing its bioavailability. Floating microspheres of ethylcellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) (5 and 100 cps) were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion technique. During process optimization various parameters were studied such as: drug: polymer ratio, polymer ratio, concentration of emulsifier and stirring speed. Selected optimized formulations were studied for SEM, entrapment, floating behavior, drug release and kinetics. In-vivo floating ability (X-ray) study and in-vivo antidiabetic activity were performed on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Microspheres prepared with different viscosity grade HPMC were spherical shaped with smooth surface. Size of microspheres was in the range of 181.1–248 μm. Good entrapment and buoyancy were observed for 12 h. X-ray image showed that optimized formulation remained buoyant for more than 6 h. Optimized formulation treated group shows significant (p < 0.01) reduction in blood glucose level as compared to pure drug treated group. Repaglinide loaded floating microspheres expected to give new choice for safe, economical and increased bioavailable formulation for effective management of NIDDM.