Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PH-TRIGGERED IN SITU GEL FOR OCULAR DELIVERY OF NORFLOXACIN

*Kinjal B. Rathod¹, Mandev B. Patel²

ABSTRACT

The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic solutions due to rapid precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcome by the use of in situ gel-forming systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol–gel transition in the cul-de-sac. The present work describes the formulation and evaluation of an ophthalmic delivery system of an anti-bacterial agent- Norfloxacin, based on the concept of pH-triggered in situ gelation. Polyacrylic acid (Carbopol- 934) was used as the gelling agent in combination with HPMC K4 M which acted as a viscosity enhancing agent. The developed formulation was therapeutically efficacious, stable, non-irritant and provided sustained release of the drug over a period of 8-hours. The developed system is thus a viable alternative to conventional eye drops.

Keywords: Norfloxacin, pH, Carbopol 934, In situ gel.