Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLUCONAZOLE OCULAR INSERTS

*V.Viswanath, B. Narasimharao, M.Purushothaman, G. Sowjanya, S.Sreevani

Abstract

An attempt has been made to formulate sustained release ocular inserts of Fluconazole for the treatment of fungal infections using Poly vinyl alcohol, PVPK-30, Hydroxy, propyl methyl cellulose as polymer and glycerin, propylene glycol as plasticizers by Mercury Substrate method. The aim of this study is to increase the contact time of Fluconazole to achieve sustained release, reduction in frequency of administration, improving patient compliance, and greater therapeutic efficacy. IR spectral studies were performed to confirm the interaction of drug with polymers using KBr disc method. The prepared ocular inserts were then evaluated for uniformity of thickness, weight variation, drug content, surface pH, swelling index, folding endurance, percentage moisture loss, and moisture absorption etc. In vitro diffusion studies of formulated ocular inserts were performed by studying diffusion through dialysis membrane using STF pH 7.4 as a medium. The films were uniform in weight, thickness, and visually smooth surfaced. Among the all formulations, formulation (F11) containing HPMC, PG, Glycerin showed complete sustained release of drug with 95.24 % at the end of 12 hours. The drug release from the film follows zero order kinetics and nonfickian diffusion mechanism.

Keywords: Fluconazole ocular inserts, Mercury substrate method, Zero order release, In vitro drug release.