Bilayer Floating Tablet of Amoxicillin with Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) Powder for the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease is associated with mucosal erosion from an imbalance of gastric acid, pepsin, Helicobacter pylori infection, and weakened mucosal defenses. This study was done to treat Peptic ulcer disease by formulating Amoxicillin, which is a β-lactam antibiotic that kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Moreover, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, an herbal alternative, was added in the formulation to provide mucosal protection and anti-inflammatory activity, aiding ulcer healing without affecting acid secretion and reduceing side effects.

The current study aimed at formulating a bilayer-floating tablet containing amoxicillin and deglycyrrhizinated licorice, and the purpose of this study was to increase gastric retention, increase localised drug delivery, and generate a synergistic anti-ulcerative effect. The floating drug delivery system has been designed to extend the gastrointestinal residence time, and thus, enhance the systemic availability of the drug to act locally in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the polymers used to make the bilayer tablet a sustained-release tablet were complemented by effusive agents to provide buoyancy and prolonged gastric retention. Wise choices were made on the excipients in order to stabilise the tablet. Based on this, the main objective was to develop a gastro-retentive bilayer tablet enabling the gradual delivery of amoxicillin in combination with the immediate localised activity of deglycyrrhizinated licorice. The findings showed effective floating characteristics and a consistent drug release profile, suggesting its potential as a promising therapy for treating peptic ulcers.