CONTROLLED RELEASE IN SITU GEL OF NORFLOXACIN FOR OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY

The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic solutions due to rapid precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcome by the use of in situ gel-forming systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol–gel transition in the cul-de-sac. Norfloxacin ophthalmic solution has been shown to be effective ocular infections and may be used in patients with chronic conjunctivitis or ocular irritation. Norfloxacin in-situ gel was prepared using various concentrations of polymers such as Carbopol-934 and HPMC K4M by pH triggered gelling system with objectives of increasing contact time, achieving controlled release, reduction in frequency of administration and greater therapeutic efficacy of drug. The prepared in-situ gels were then evaluated for their visual appearance, clarity, pH, drug content analysis, in-vitro gelation (Gelling capacity), rheological studies, sterility testing and in-vitro drug release studies. It is evident from these studies that, formed polymeric in-situ gels had transparent, clear possessing satisfactory gelling capacity. The developed formulation was light yellow in colour, therapeutically efficacious, stable, non-irritant with sustained release of drug.