Strategy for Development of pH Triggered Floating In-situ Gel of Levetiracetam

The aim of this study was to develop a new intra-gastric floating in situ gelling system for controlled delivery of levetiracetam for the treatment of partial onset seizures. High dose of levetiracetam (750 to 1000 mg) is difficult to incorporate in floating tablets but can easily be given in liquid dosage form released. Sodium alginate-based in-situ gelling systems were prepared by dissolving various concentrations of sodium alginate in deionized water, to which drug and calcium carbonate were added. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (FTIR) were used to check the presence of any interaction between the drug and the excipients. A 32 full factorial design was used for optimization. The concentrations of sodium alginate (X1) and calcium carbonate (X2) were selected as the independent variables. The amount of the drug released after 1 h (Q1) and 6 h (Q6) and 12 h (Q12) and the viscosity of the solution were selected as the dependent variables. The gels were studied for their viscosity, in-vitro buoyancy and drug release. Other ingredient like HPMC K100M used for strength forming polymer, sodium citrate is used for liquefying solution. The drug release from the in-situ gel follows the Higuchi model and Korsemeyer-peppas model, which indicates a diffusion-controlled release. Key word: In situ gel, Levetiracetam, Floating.