NOVEL IN-SITU GEL TO PROVIDE SUSTAIN RELEASE DRUG DELIVERY FOR OCULAR FUNGAL KERATITIS

Ocular deliveries possess a challenging pharmaceutical approach due to poor absorption index through the corneal appendages and washing away of the drug through tears and lachrymal secretion. The ocular appendages lead to provide lesser bioavailability of conventional dosage forms; hence, frequent dosing is advised to get the optimum effect of the medicine. Therefore, in-situ gel offers a promising solution to provide a promising approach to achieve greater residence time and bioavailability of natamycin for ocular fungal infections. In the present study, the in-situ gel was prepared using Carbopol and HPMC, which upon introduction to the ocular cavity, were converted to gel. The prepared solution is kept at the pH of 5.0, which upon instilled into the ocular cavity to get converted to gel. The formulation is further assessed for parameters like viscosity, pH, gelling capacity, drug content, in-vitro drug release profile, sterility testing and antifungal activity of the same. The results of the in-vitro drug release have been proven for sustain release of the formulation as well as gelling capacity is the predictor of the in-situ gel formation of the system. Hence, it can be utilized for further studies and to be marketed for fungal keratosis of the eye.