Development and evaluation of ocular drug delivery system.

The eye presents unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to the delivery of pharmaceuticals. In the present study, ocular inserts of levofloxacin were prepared using chitosan and gelatin by solvent casting technique with an aim to improve therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Prepared ocular inserts were then evaluated for film thickness, weight variation, content uniformity, percentage moisture loss and absorption. In vitro drug release studies were carried out using flow through apparatus that simulated the eye conditions. Optimized formulations were subjected to in vivo and stability studies to assess the effectiveness of the formulations. Finally in vitro in vivo correlation was established. Plasticizer like PEG was found to influence their effect on drug release. Prepared ocular inserts exhibited zero order kinetics which was confirmed by strong and positive correlation. The in vitro and in vivo drug release studies revealed that the formulations provide a best alternative to prolong the drug release at the end of 24 h and remained stable with intact at ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]