Oral administration remains the most preferred and convenient route for drug delivery. However, the efficacy of many drugs is often limited by short gastric residence times. Floating Drug Delivery Systems (FDDS) offer a strategic solution to this problem, particularly for medications primarily absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design, classification, and pharmaceutical basis of FDDS. It focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of flotation and the physiological variables that ensure prolonged gastric retention. A significant portion of this article evaluates the role of various polymers—both Natural (e.g., Guar gum, Chitosan, Xanthan gum, Sodium alginate) and Synthetic (e.g., HPMC, Eudragit, Ethyl cellulose)—in achieving the desired buoyancy and controlled release profiles.Further more, the review explores the development of single-unit and multiple-unit floating systems, their advantages over conventional dosage forms, and the limitations they overcome. We also summarize modern in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation techniques used to measure performance. Ultimately, FDDS emerges as a promising and versatile approach for enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic index of drugs, offering a bright future for controlled-release technology.
1*Wasim J. Bagwan, 2Ravi U. Kurhade, 3*Shabana A. Patel, 3Nikita D. Kamble, 3Shivani S. Chelkar, 3Neha B. Bayas (Sun,) studied this question.