Abstract

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OCULAR MINITABLETS FOR CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY OF FLUOROQUINOLONES

Dhumane Poonam Shivaji*, Phadtare Dipti Ganesh, Saudagar Ravindra Bhanudas

ABSTRACT

The human eye is a unique and intricate structure which has made drug delivery to the eye a formidable undertaking. Anterior segment eye diseases are ubiquitous, especially among elderly patients, and conventional eye drops, although a first choice dosage form, are not always an efficient treatment option. Several polymeric systems have been used to prolong ocular drug delivery and, of these solid systems have the advantages of convenient administration, increased contact time and controlled drug delivery. In an attempt to circumvent the obstacles presented by the structure of the eye, advanced systems such as ocular minitablets have been developed. The ocular minitablets were prepared by direct compression using Norfloxacin, carbopol 974P, HPMC k4 M, lactose and magnesium stearate. The bioadhesive strength of the minitablets was evaluated in vitro using a conjunctival membrane. The in vitro drug release was determined by rotating glass vial method. The in vivo irritation study was carried out using a rabbit. The finally selected formulation (C) showed more than 85% drug release over a period of 6 h, and complied well in physicochemical tests conducted. Based on kinetic studies, formulation C was found to be best fit the zero order equation. The animal study results showed that minitablets were found to be non irritant and safe.

Keywords: ocular minitablets, Norfloxacin, carbopol 974P, HPMC k4 M.