Design and Optimization of Novel Floating Agent Saccharomyces boulardii Probiotic Formulation Based Floating Tablet of Valsartan

Saccharomyces boulardii is the unique yeast probiotic which can grow under aerobic or anaerobic conditions and generates CO2. In present investigation this property of yeast used to develop floating drug delivery system by entrapping generated in situ CO2 gas. Valsartan is a highly selective and orally active antihypertensive drug which has absorption window in the acidic environment of stomach. Central composite design response surface methodology technique used, so as to explore the effect of formulation variables such as amount of Saccharomyces boulardii preparation and calcium hydroxide on floating lag time and % drug release after 12 h. An optimal formulation selected using numerical and graphical optimization technique Valsartan formulation containing this novel floating agent is suitable for gastro retention and it increases its bioavailability. The experimental values and predicted values of an optimized batch are in compliance with each other.