Development and Evaluation of Tara Gum-Based Floating Clindamycin Tablets for Prolonged Gastric Retention and Sustained Drug Release
Abstract
Background: Gastroretentive floating drug delivery systems can prolong gastric residence and provide sustained drug release. Natural polymers such as Tara gum offer useful swelling and hydration properties for developing controlled-release matrix tablets. Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate clindamycin floating tablets containing Tara gum as a natural release-retarding polymer in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (HPMC K4M), and to investigate the influence of polymer composition on swelling, floating behavior, and drug release. Methods: Eight formulations (F1–F8) were prepared by direct compression, each containing 300 mg clindamycin. HPMC K4M (70–84 mg) and Tara gum (80–66 mg) were varied across formulations, while Carbopol 934, sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, magnesium stearate, and talc were incorporated as formulation excipients. Pre- and post-compression parameters, drug content, in vitro drug release, swelling index, and floating characteristics were evaluated. Results: Extracted Tara gum exhibited a swelling index of 18, bulk density of 0.42, tapped density of 0.59, Carr’s index of 17.85%, Hausner’s ratio of 1.12, angle of repose of 20.52°, and 20% yield. The formulations demonstrated satisfactory flow and tablet properties, with thickness of 3.91–3.96 mm, hardness of 6.5–7.3 kg/cm², drug content above 90%, and friability below 1%. Cumulative drug release at 6 h ranged from 74.3% to 94.2%. F6, containing 80 mg HPMC K4M and 70 mg Tara gum, showed the lowest drug release (74.3%), highest swelling index (265 ± 0.32 at 6 h), and approximately 6 h floating duration. Conclusion: Tara gum effectively contributed to matrix swelling and sustained drug release. F6 was identified as the most promising formulation for prolonged in vitro release and floating behavior. Further optimization and in vivo gastroretention studies are warranted.