Development and characterization of newer floating film bearing 5-fluorouracil as a model drug

The prime object of this study was to develop such a film which could float on gastric content releasing the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in nearby region for local action in stomach. These films may provide better retentivity of drug in the stomach. 5-FU loaded floating films were prepared by solvent casting technique employing mercury as substrate and cellulose acetate as film forming polymer. The films were evaluated for weight uniformity, thickness, drug content uniformity, floating characteristics, and in vitro drug release. To access the in vivo floating characteristic albino rabbits were used for radio imaging. The thickness of film was found to be ranging from 0.341 ± 0.110 to 0.717 ± 0.031 mm. Maximum floating lag time was 142.6 ± 2.41 s. The floating films were found to be floated up to maximum period of 23.65 ± 0.86 h. Cumulative % drug release was found to be ranging from 85 to 99 %. All optimized formulations were also subjected to release kinetics study.