Design and Evaluation of Losartan Potassium Effervescent Floating Matrix Tablets: In Vivo X-ray Imaging and Pharmacokinetic Studies in Albino Rabbits

Losartan potassium (LP) is an angiotensin receptor blocker used to treat hypertension. At higher pH, it shows poor aqueous solubility, which leads to poor bioavailability and lowers its therapeutic effectiveness. The main aim of this research was to develop a direct compressed effervescent floating matrix tablet (EFMT) of LP using hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose 90SH 15,000 (HPMC-90SH 15,000), karaya gum (KG), and an effervescent agent, such as sodium bicarbonate (SB). Therefore, an EFMT has been developed to prolong the stomach residence time (GRT) of a drug to several hours and improve its bioavailability in the stomach region. The blended powder was evaluated for pre-compression characteristics, followed by post-compression characteristics, in vitro floating, water uptake studies, and in vitro studies. The optimized formulation of EFMT was investigated for in vivo buoyancy by X-ray imaging and pharmacokinetic studies in Albino rabbits. The results revealed that the parameters of pre- and post-compression were within the USP limits. All tablets showed good floating capabilities (short floating lag time <1 min and floated for >24 h), good swelling characteristics, and controlled release for over 24 h. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) spectra showed drug–polymer compatibility. The optimized formulation F3 (HPMC-90SH 15,000-KG) exhibited non-Fickian diffusion and showed 100% drug release at the end of 24 h. In addition, with the optimized formulation F3, we observed that the EFMT floated continuously in the rabbit’s stomach area; thus, the GRT could be extended to more than 12 h. The pharmacokinetic profiling in Albino rabbits revealed that the relative bioavailability of the optimized LP-EFMT was enhanced compared to an oral solution of LP. We conclude that this a potential method for improving the oral bioavailability of LP to treat hypertension effectively.