Abstract

Sheetal B. Tathe*, Pravin B. Suruse and Umesh D. Shivhare

ABSTRACT

Conventional liquid ophthalmic formulations are most convenient from patient point of view, but these formulations were showed low bioavailability because of a constant lachrymal drainage in the eyes leads to increase dosing frequency. Moreover, the absorption of the drug drained through the nasolacrymal duct may results in undesirable side effects. To overcome these limitations different approaches has been applied such as preparation of ointments, gels, creams etc. These ophthalmic formulations also fails to show desired therapeutic responses because of their own disadvantages such as ointments makes blurred vision. So, two different systems were combined together as niosomes and in situ gel by incorporating niosomes in this gel formulation so that it is easy to administered and retain at the site for prolong period of time. The Ciprofloxacin HCL, a second generation fluoroquinolone derivative was used in eye infections needs frequent dosing in its solution form. Vesicular system reported prolonged and controlled action at corneal surface but it has again limitation of drainage along tear produced. In this study, first niosomes containing Ciprofloxacin HCL were prepared by applying 32 full factorial designs and evaluated for its vesicle size, percent entrapment, in vitro drug release kinetics and stability. Also, in situ gel formulation was prepared by dispersing the niosomes in solution of Carbopol 940 and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) K4M. In vitro drug release kinetics from niosomal in situ gel formulation indicated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of drug (4?g/ml) was achieved within 1-2 h (batch F1-F9).