Gelrite‐Based In Vitro Gelation Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System of Gatifloxacin

The conventional ophthalmic solutions have demonstrated poor bioavailability and low therapeutic response due to rapid precorneal elimination of drug, which could be overcome by the use of in situ gelling systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol‐gel transition in the cul‐de‐sac. The present work describes the formulation of an ophthalmic delivery system of an antibacterial agent, Gatifloxacin, based on the concept of ion‐activated in situ gelation; the rheological properties of the formulation and in vitro release of the drug were evaluated. Gelrite gellan gum, a novel vehicle for ophthalmic delivery system, which gels in the presence of mono/divalent cations present in the tear fluid, was used as the gelling agent. The developed formulation showed pseudoplastic rheology and was therapeutically efficacious and provides sustained release of the drug over a 12‐hour period. The developed system is thus a viable alternative to conventional eye drops.

Keywords:

• In situ gelation
• sustained release
• Gelrite
• Gatifloxacin