The aim of this study was to design gastro-retentive floating matrix tablets for ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CFH) capable of releasing more than 80 % of the drug for 8h with a floating time of longer than 8h and a short floating lag time of less than 5s. The matrices were prepared with 22 % sodium bicarbonate and a combination of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and polyoxyethylene oxide (PEO). The tablets containing 22 % sodium bicarbonate could lead to immediate floating with floating lag times less than 5s. Extended floating times of longer than 8h and improved CFH release of more than 80 % for 8h were achieved by the matrices prepared with 11% of HPMC 10K (Metolose 60SH 10,000) and PEO 1000K (PEO 1,000,000) mixture (5:5) containing 22 % sodium bicarbonate. From these results, this composition might be selected as a floating device for a prolonged delivery of CFH in the stomach.