Abstract

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION: IN SITU GELS OF LOMEFLOXACIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY

Sunitha Sampathi*

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate polymeric ocular in situ gel system of Lomefloxacin hydrochloride to improve its bioavailability by using in situ polymers that exhibit reversible liquid gel phase transition. In situ gels are prepared by using poloxamer 407 and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose as mucoadhesive polymer in different ratios. The in situ gels were evaluated for drug content, clarity, pH, gelation temperature, viscosity, in vitro drug release studies, ex-vivo studies, anti microbial activity, sterility testing, and for ocular eye irritation test. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to know drug and polymer incompatibilities. The cumulative drug release from the formulations was ranging from 91.02% to 98.31% at 10h and the drug released by diffusion mechanism. The results indicated that extent of gelation and release of drug depended on the concentration of polymers used. Optimized formulation (PH5) was found to have optimum pH and gelation temperature which was required for an in situ gel drug delivery system.The combination of poloxamer 407 and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose as an in situ gelling vehicle is a promising tool to enhance ocular bioavailability and to improve patient compliance for the topical treatment of ocular diseases. In vivo studies are further required to prove the efficacy of the formulations prepared.

Keywords: Gelation temperature, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, in situ gels, Lomefloxacin hydrochloride, poloxamer 407.