The effect of density on the gastric emptying of single- and multiple-unit dosage forms.

The gastric emptying of pellets and single units of different densities has been followed in healthy subjects using the technique of gamma scintigraphy. The gastric emptying of the light pellets was affected by their buoyancy in the upper part of the stomach. However, the mean gastric emptying rates of pellets and single units were not significantly affected by density. Floating or buoyant delivery systems may have little advantage over conventional systems. The presence of food in the stomach was found to be the major factor in determining the gastric emptying of single units.