Absorption and bioavailability of cefditoren pivoxil in hydrogels in vitro and in vivo

Superporous gastro-retentive cefditoren pivoxil tablets were prepared to improve the absorption and bioavailability of this drug and evaluated by varying the concentrations of carbopol and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The pre-compression and post-compression parameters were within acceptable pharmacopoeial limits. The swelling index indicates that formulations prepared with sodium carbonate have good porosity. The dissolution behaviour in vitro showed that the formulations that contained carbopol (100 mg) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (60 mg) had good controlled release (94.5%) by 24 h. Studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetics in vivo showed better bioavailability, area under the concentration–time curve, elimination rate constant and half-life than a commercially available conventional dosage form.