Sustained ophthalmic delivery of ofloxacin from a pH triggered in situ gelling system

J Control Release. 2001 Jun 15;73(2-3):205-11. doi: 10.1016/s0168-3659(01)00279-6.

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 antibacterial agent, ofloxacin, based on the concept of pH-triggered in situ gelation. Polyacrylic acid (Carbopol 940) was used as the gelling agent in combination with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Methocel E50LV) which acted as a viscosity enhancing agent. The developed formulation was therapeutically efficacious, stable, non-irritant and provided sustained release of the drug over an 8-h period. The developed system is thus a viable alternative to conventional eye drops.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Stability
  • Eye / metabolism*
  • Gels
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ofloxacin / administration & dosage*
  • Ofloxacin / chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Solubility
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Gels
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Ofloxacin