135GASTRO-RETENTIVE FLOATING MICROSPHERES OF CEFIXIME: PREPARATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATIONThe main objective of this study was to develop a floating microspheres of cefixime to enhance the absorption and improve the bioavailability in order to achieve an extended retention in the upper GIT. The microspheres were prepared by spray drying technique by using different ratio of sodium alginate and poly vinyl alcohol as polymers with drug. FTIR study showed that polymers and drug were compatible with each other. The polymer concentration, inlet temperature and feed rate effects on drug release profile were investigated. The formulation variables on the response variables effects were statistically evaluated by applying 24 Full factorial design was inculcated to develop different formulation runs using Design expert software Version 12 (Stat-Ease, Inc, USA).Independent variables selected were polyvinyl alcohol concentration, Sodium Alginate concentration, Inlet Temperature and Feed Rate. Response variables chosen were Drug content, Entrapment efficiency. Particle size and Time required for max. % CDR. The gastro-retentive floating microspheres were characterized by the results obtained as percentage buoyancy, and in-vitro drug release were studied for 8 hour. The gastro-retentive floating microspheres showed better results and it might be useful for prolong the drug release in stomach and improve the bioavailability.veera_gowda2006@yahoo.comResearch1012020Gastro retentive floating microspheres,Cefixime,Spray drying technique,Optimization,one way ANOVA and In-vitro drug release studiesVeere Gowda K,Prakash Rao BDepartment of Pharmaceutics, Visveswarapura institute of pharmaceutical sciences, Bengaluru-70, Karnataka, India,Acharya BM Reddy college of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.