An Investigation into the Floating Behaviour of a Pectin-Containing Anti-Reflux Formulation (FF5005) by Means of Gamma Scintigraphy

Abstract

The gastric distribution and residence time of a new pectin-containing formulation, FF5005 (Farma Food A/S, Denmark), was investigated by using the technique of gamma scintigraphy in six healthy volunteers after administration with a radiolabelled meal. The formulation and test meal were radiolabelled with indium-113m and technetium-99m, respectively, and the formulation was administered to the subjects 30 min after the labelled meal. FF5005 was shown to float and form a discrete phase on top of the stomach contents and emptied from the stomach more slowly than the food (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The times taken for the formulation and test meal to half-empty from the stomach (T₅₀) were 4.13 ± 0.69 h (mean ± SD) and 2.17 ± 0.15 h (mean ± SD), respectively. Greater than 50% of the formulation remained in the fundal region of the stomach for 3 h. FF5005 produced in vivo behaviour similar to that of established alginate-containing anti-reflux agents, and the pectin content of the formulation was shown to decrease the rate of emptying of the meal.

Key Words:

• Antacid
• anti-reflux
• gamma scintigraphy
• gastro-oesophageal reflux
• pectin