Formulation and evaluation of stomach specific amoxicillin loaded mucoadhesive microspheres

Helicobacter pylori (h. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes one of the most common chronic infections in humans. the infection produces chronic gastritis and predisposes to the development of peptic ulcer disease. although triple therapy protocols used at present in the clinics have resulted in significant benefits to the patients,the ultimate 100% eradication efficiency has never been achieved. in addition,the development of multidrug resistance to standard antimicrobial therapy can seriously hinder effective management of the disease. a rational approach to treat h. pylori,which localizes predominantly in the antral region of the stomach,is necessary for complete eradication of the infection. in an effort to augment the anti h. pylori effect of amoxicillin,mucoadhesive microspheres,which have the ability to reside in the gastrointestinal tract for an extended period,were prepared. amoxicillin microspheres were prepared by using eudragit rs100 as matrix and carbopol 974p and hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose k4m as mucoadhesive polymer. the microspheres were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation technique. the prepared microspheres were evaluated with respect to the particle size,production yield,encapsulation efficiency,shape and surface properties,mucoadhesive property,in vitro drug release and suitability for anti h. pylori effect. the preliminary results show great promise for this delivery strategy in the treatment of h. pylori infection. drug carrier systems can be engineered with the appropriate therapeutic agent for efficient delivery to the target site and provide better control over localized infectous disease.