Preformulation and formulation study of dexchlor- pheniramine maleate (DCPM) for it's inclusion into a gelforming sustained release dosage form was investigated. A modification of the USP apparatus 2 is proposed as an alternative to currently recommended USP dissolution apparatus for floating, gelforming drug delivery systems. In addition, the role of magnesium stearate and talc as dissolution retardants in controlled release matrix tablets is investigated, through application of a factorial design.