Abstract

FORMULATION, EVALUATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF NIOSOMAL GEL OF LORATADINE

Shalin C*, Arun Kumar KV, Vimal V

ABSTRACT

The development of a novel drug delivery system for antihistaminic drugs has a greater impact on today’s world population as it is effective, convenient, inexpedient toxicity and exhibit undulated drug level. Niosomal gel promising drug delivery system and have successfully used in various treatment in the field of ophthalmology. It shows sustained drug release and the bioadhesion may enhance the contact time of gel. Both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs are incorporated into niosomes to improve its efficacy. Loratadine is an antihistaminic drug used for the treatment of allergic diseases. Niosomes were prepared by Lipid Film Hydration method and the drug was incorporated into it. Niosomes were assessed for particle size was determination, morphological studies, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. The mean particle size was found to be in between 3.49-7.48μm. The niosomes prepared by using span 60 shows highest entrapment efficiency 95.9% and in-vitro drug release 92.6180 0.90. This drug loaded niosomes are then added into carbopol solution and formulated into a niosomal gel The niosomal gel was assessed for pH and viscosity determination, physical appearance, content uniformity, in-vitro drug release and corneal permeation study. The pH, viscosity and physical appearance were suitable for ophthalmic drug delivery. The drug content uniformity showed the better result for the gel and drug release was found to be 63.42%. The gel showed good corneal permeation for pharmacological effect. Stability studies indicated that the formulation was stable over a period of 1 months at the 25±2C and 2-8 ±3C. It was observed that the drug loaded niosomal gel was more efficient for conjunctivitis.

Keywords: Niosomal gel; Carbopol; Sustained release; Loratadine; Eye; Bioadhesion.