PH-INDUCED IN SITU GELLING SYSTEM OF LOMEFLOXACIN FOR SUSTAINED OCULAR DELIVERY

Abstract

In the present work, an attempt has been made to formulate pH-induced in-situ gel as an ophthalmic drug delivery system. In situ gels are made from polymers that exhibit phase transition due to physicochemical change in the environment. They can be conveniently dropped as a solution into the conjuctival sac in the eye. Upon contact with the lacrimal fluid, the polymer changes its conformation to form a gel. This delivery system has the ease of administration similar to an opthalmic solution and has a long retention time because of the gel formation. Different polymers for preparing pH induced in-situ gels have been evaluated. The topical application of ophthalmically active drugs to the eye is the most prescribed route of administration for the treatment of various ocular diseases. It is generally agreed that the intraocular bioavailability of topically applied drugs is extremely poor. Upon instillation of an ophthalmic solution; most of the instilled volume is eliminated from the pre-corneal area. This loss is mainly due to drainage of the excess fluid by the nasolacrimal duct or elimination of the solution by tear turnover, which will results in poor ocular bioavailability. Lomefloxacin is member of the fluoroquinolone class of antimicrobial drugs. It is active against a wide range of gram positive and gram negative organisms.