Published Paper Details:

The azalide antibacterial agent azithromycin is a semisynthetic acid-stable erythromycin derivative with an expanded spectrum of activity and improved tissue pharmacokinetic characteristics relative to erythromycin. The drug is noted for its activity against some Gram-negative organisms associated with respiratory tract infections, particularly Haemophilus influenzae. Azithromycin has similar activity to other macrolides against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, and is active against atypical pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Once-daily administration of azithromycin is made possible by the long elimination half-life of the drug from tissue. Azithromycin is rapidly and highly concentrated in a number of cell types after absorption, including leucocytes, monocytes and macrophages. It undergoes extensive distribution into tissue, from where it is subsequently eliminated slowly. Oral drug delivery system is the most preferred route of administration for drug delivery. In the development of the drug delivery system many components play important role. Polymers are amongst those components which have evolved with the drug delivery system. Polymers are the macromolecule compound containing many monomer units joined to each other by bonds. The floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) become an additional advantage for drugs that are absorbed primarily in the upper segments of gastrointestinal (GI) tract, i.e., the stomach, duodenum and jejunum. The purpose of writing this review on floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) was to focus on the types of floating drug delivery systems, principal and mechanism of floatation to achieve gastric retention and polymers used in floating Drug delivery systems. Polymers used in the drug delivery system are of two types Natural and Synthetic based on their origin. Both types of the polymers have some advantages and disadvantages. This particular article gives information about the different types of natural and synthetic polymer used in the drug delivery system. Natural polymers like guar gum, chitosan, xanthan gum, Gellan gum and sodium alginate are mentioned in the article. Synthetic polymers mentioned are HPMC, Eudragit, and Ethylcellulose.