Formulation and Evaluation of Ciprofloxacin Loaded Ocular Insitu Gel

Yenuga Swetha*¹, Dr. G.Gopi², Dr. P.K. Prakash Reddy^3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Mahathi College of Pharmacy, CTM Cross roads, Madanapalle.-517319.
²Professor and HOD, Department of pharmaceutics, Mahathi College of Pharmacy, CTM Cross roads, Madanapalle.-517319.
³Principal and Professor, Mahathi College of Pharmacy, CTM Cross roads, Madanapalle.-517319.

A B S T R A C T
The aim of this study was to develop an innovative delivery method for Ciprofloxacin, an ophthalmic drug, to enhance its limited effectiveness in the eye. A Ciprofloxacin gel was created using Carbopol 940, Sodium alginate, Xanthan gum, and HPMC K4M through a pH-triggered in situ gelling technique. The in situ gelling system, containing 0.5% W/V Ciprofloxacin, was successfully formulated to treat ocular infections such as conjunctivitis. The formulations were characterized based on appearance, color, pH, gelling capacity, rheological properties, and in vitro release in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. All formulations were clear with pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.1. By optimizing the concentrations of Carbopol 940 and HPMC, superior gelling capacity and suitable gel strength under physiological conditions were achieved, allowing for easy instillation as eye drops. The cumulative percentage of drug release varied across formulations, with F4, F7, and F9 showing the highest release rates of 85%, 88%, and 81%, respectively, while F3 demonstrated significantly delayed drug release. Rheological characterization indicated that F3 exhibited better pseudoplastic behavior compared to other formulations. In vitro release studies revealed that increased polymer concentration slowed down drug release, whereas decreased polymer concentration accelerated it. FTIR analysis confirmed no interactions between the drug and polymers. The cost-effective methodology employed for the in situ gelling system provided sustained drug release over an 8-hour period. The hydrogel in situ formulations initially administered as a solution rapidly formed a hydrogel capable of withstanding shear forces in the cul-de-sac. This pH-triggered in situ gel of Ciprofloxacin offered sustained drug release compared to conventional ophthalmic solutions, resulting in prolonged residence time in the precorneal area, higher bioavailability, and reduced systemic side effects by preventing drainage through the nasolacrimal duct. The evaluated in situ gelling formulation demonstrated effective treatment of conjunctivitis with consistent drug release over the desired time period. Due to its ease of administration and extended ocular residence time without causing eye irritation, the pH-triggered in situ gelling technique presents a promising alternative to commercially available eye drops.
Keywords: hydrogel, in situ formulations, Ciprofloxacin, Carbopol 940, eye drops