What is Floating drug delivery systems (FDDS)

-Floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) or hydrodynamically controlled systems are low-density systems that have sufficient buoyancy to float over the gastric contents and remain buoyant in the stomach without affecting the gastric emptying rate for a prolonged period of time.

-Floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) have a bulk density less than gastric fluid and so remain buoyant in the stomach without affecting the gastric emptying rate for a prolonged period of time.

 -While the system is floats on the gastric contents, the drug is released slowly at the desired rate from the system.

-While the system is floating on the gastric contents, the drug is released slowly at the desired rate from the system.

Advantages of FDDS

-Floating systems are advantageous for drugs meant for local action in the stomach. E.g. antacids.

-Acidic substances like aspirin cause irritation to the stomach wall when come in contact with it. Hence FDDS may be useful for the administration of aspirin and other similar drugs.

-Advantageous for drugs absorbed through the stomach.E.g. Ferrous salts, antacids.

 -Advantageous for drugs that

       Degrade in the colon.

       Poorly soluble at an alkaline pH

       Narrow window of absorption.* 

- Improvement of bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of the drugs and   possible reduction of dose e.g. Furosemide 

-Maintenance of constant therapeutic levels over a prolonged period and thus reduction in fluctuation in therapeutic levels minimizing the risk of resistance especially in case of antibiotics.