RESUMO
In this study, cinnarizine was formulated in three different floating systems to control its release in gastric fluid. Four formulae containing different concentrations of Eudragit L100 [15-30% [w/w]] were prepared using sodium bicarbonate as CO2 generating agent. Three formulae containing methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose [HPMC] and sodium alginate of different viscosity grades [low, medium and high] were studied. Six formulae were also prepared using mixed polymers containing constant Eudragit L100 concentration and two concentrations of sodium alginate [of different viscosity grades]. All prepared formulae were evaluated through determining floating time, in vitro release rate of cinnarizine and in vivo bioavailability assessment of cinnarizine from selected floating systems. The obtained results in this study proved the effectiveness of the prepared cinnarizine floating systems in increasing its bioavailability. It also indicated the superiority of Eudragit L100 system over the alginate-cellulose system, which in turn has a higher bioavailability than the conventional cinnarizine capsule [197.57% and 176%, respectively]