FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AN IN SITU GEL FOR OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY OF ANTICONJUNCTIVAL DRUG

The aim of the present study was to formulate and optimize Norfloxacin in situ gels for the treatment of conjunctivitis. Norfloxacin ophthalmic solution has been shown to be effective in ocular infections and may be used in patients with chronic conjunctivitis or ocular irritation. Norfloxacin in situ gel was prepared using various concentrations of polymers, such as Carbopol-940 (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 0.4 and 0.5% w/v), HPMC-E50LV (1.5% w/v), HPMC E4M (0.6% w/v) and HPMC K4M (0.5% w/v), as a pH triggered gelling system, with the objectives of increasing contact time, achieving controlled release, reducing the frequency of administration and obtaining greater therapeutic efficacy of the drug. The prepared in situ gels were then evaluated for their visual appearance, clarity, pH, drug content, in situ gelation. Also, rheological studies, sterility testing, texture analysis and in vitro drug release studies were carried out. It was evident from these studies that the polymeric in situ gels formed were transparent and clear, and possessed a satisfactory gelling capacity. The drug contents of all optimized formulations were found to range between 98.30-99.97%. The formulations of our in situ gels possibly possessed characteristics of a pseudoplastic behavior. The developed formulations were light yellow in colour, therapeutically efficacious, stable, non-irritant and provided sustained release of the drug up to eight hours' time.