Optimizing Norfloxacin Bioavailability: Formulation and Evaluation of Cyclodextrin-Based Tablets

Abstract

The present study focuses on the formulation of norfloxacin tablets using β-cyclodextrin and evaluates the tablets to enhance their bioavailability. Initially, compatibility studies, including FTIR analysis of norfloxacin and norfloxacin-excipient mixtures, were conducted to ensure the stability of the formulation components. The complexation of norfloxacin with β-cyclodextrin was carried out to improve the drug's solubility and, consequently, its bioavailability. Norfloxacin tablets were then prepared using the direct compression technique, a method known for its simplicity and effectiveness in tablet production. The formulated tablets were subjected to various evaluation parameters, including weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, disintegration time, and drug dissolution profile. Among the formulations tested, the F5 formulation emerged as the optimized formulation, demonstrating superior performance in comparison to the marketed product. The study concludes that the norfloxacin-β-cyclodextrin complex significantly enhanced the bioavailability of norfloxacin, with the F5 formulation showing the most promising results.