Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF IN SITU GELLING SYSTEM OF PRULIFLOXACIN

C. Sreekanth*, M. Ravindra Reddy and M. Venkata Anusha

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Abstract

Poor bioavailability of ophthalmic solutions caused by dilution and drainage from the eye can be overcome by using in situ forming ophthalmic drug delivery systems prepared from polymers that exhibit reversible liquid – Gel phase transitions. This may result in better ocular availability of the drug. The purpose of this work was to develop an ophthalmic drug delivery system on the concept of ion activated in situ gelation for Prulifloxacin, an antibacterial agent. Sodium alginate which gels in the presence of divalent cations present in the lacrimal fluid was used as the gelling agent. HPMC E50 LV was incorporated as the viscosity enhancing agent. The promising formulation F4 showed viscosity of 45 cps at 20 rpm and 74.63% drug release at the end of 8 hours. The developed formulations were therapeutically efficacious, stable, non-irritant and provided sustained release of the drug over an 8 hour period. The developed system is thus a viable alternative to conventional eye drops.

Keywords: Prulifloxacin; In situ gelation; Ophthalmic drug delivery; Sustained release; Liquid gel-phase transition.