Objective:
The present research work aims at describing the fo
rmulation and evaluation of the ocular delivery sys
tem of moxifloxacin
hydrochloride (MH) based on the concept of ion sens
itive in situ gelations.
Methods:
In situ gel was prepared by a hot method using 0.6%
of gelrite, 0.25% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HP
MC K
4
M) and 0.023% tamarind
gum as bioadhesive polymers for sustained drug rele
ase. Optimization was done by Box Behnken Design wi
th different concentration of gelrite (X
1
),
HPMC K
4
M (X
2
) and tamarind gum (X
3
) as independent variables. In situ gel was optimiz
ed based on mucoadhesion index (Y1), Gel strength (
Y2)
and
in vitro
drug release (Y3). Influence of the quantitative v
ariable on the dependent variable was predicted by
a polynomial equation.
Results:
Infrared spectroscopy excluded any interaction betw
een drug and excipients. The selected independent v
ariables significantly influenced
the responses and were able to sustain the drug rel
ease. The prepared gel with a pH of 6.8 to 7.4 exhi
bited non-newtonian flow with no ocular
irritation. The formulation remained stable with no
change in pH and viscosity after 30 d of stability
study.
Conclusion:
Thus, moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MH) in situ gel i
s a viable alternative to a conventional delivery s
ystem with the properties of
sustained drug release, prolonged ocular retention,
and improved corneal penetration.