FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF RAFT-FORMING FAMOTIDINE SUSPENSION FOR GERD

Famotidine is an effective H₂-receptor antagonist used in the management of GERD, but conventional formulations often do not provide immediate relief from symptoms like heartburn and acid regurgitation. This study describes the development of a raft-forming famotidine oral suspension containing alginate and gas-generating agents such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, which form a low-density floating raft in acidic gastric conditions. The raft acts as a physical barrier to prevent reflux while enabling localized and sustained release of famotidine near the esophageal sphincter. Optimized parameters such as pH, viscosity, raft strength, and drug release ensure rapid symptom relief along with prolonged pharmacological action, making this formulation an effective dual-mechanism therapy for GERD.