Polymeric Ion-Exchange Complexes of Carbomer for Taste Masking and Enhanced Drug Bioavailability: A Physicochemical and In Vivo Study

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 727 740
    By

    Manu Tripathi,

  • Pankaj Kumar Yadav,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Famotidine (FAM) was recognized as a crystalline powder that varies in color from white to pale yellow and possesses an extremely bitter flavor. This study aimed to conceal the unpleasant flavor of FAM through employing unconventional ion-exchange resins sourced from Carbomer polymer Evaluation (Carbopol 974P). We used FTIR, DSC, and XRD to look at the drug-resin combination in its hard form to learn more about its physical and chemical properties. The drug-Carbopol complex was blended with appropriate excipients and compressed into orally disintegrating tablets (ODT). Follow-up studies showed that the weight, hardness, and drug content were within acceptable range, with drug content ranging from 97.59 ± 0.02 to 100.13 ± 0.04%. The drug-Carbopol complex completely covered up the bitter taste of FAM during the functional surface modification test. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the Carbopol complex of FAM exhibited superior bioavailability compared to commercially available products. This was clear from the fact that the AUC₀–t (35,422.5 ± 2,150.4 ng•h/ml) and Cmax (2990 ng/ml) were both higher. Also, the Carbopol complex had a lower Tmax (2.0 hours), which meant that it absorbed faster than other preparat4ons on the market. The test formulation had better pharmacokinetic performance, better functional surface modification, and better absorption characteristics overall. This could make treatments for peptic ulcers and GERD more effective and make patients more likely to follow their treatment plans.

Keywords: Carbomer, polymeric complex, ion-exchange composite, drug release, structural characterization

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Manu Tripathi, Pankaj Kumar Yadav. Polymeric Ion-Exchange Complexes of Carbomer for Taste Masking and Enhanced Drug Bioavailability: A Physicochemical and In Vivo Study. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):727-740.
How to cite this URL:
Manu Tripathi, Pankaj Kumar Yadav. Polymeric Ion-Exchange Complexes of Carbomer for Taste Masking and Enhanced Drug Bioavailability: A Physicochemical and In Vivo Study. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):727-740. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236067


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 18/11/2025
Accepted 04/12/2025
Published 15/01/2026
Publication Time 58 Days
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