Voriconazole is a new wide spectrum triazole with activity against yeast and molds. It is available as intravenous and oral formulations. No literature was available about solubilizing or formulating voriconazole for ophthalmic route. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the in-situ gelling ophthalmic delivery systems of voriconazole. Different plain in-situ gel formulations were prepared using three different types of gelling agents, namely, Carbopol®940 (pH sensitive), Sodium alginate (ion sensitive) and Pluronic F127 (temperature sensitive) along with HPMC E50 LV as viscosity enhancing agent. The drug loaded in-situ gels were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH, rheological properties, drug content, stability and microbiological study. All prepared in-situ gel formulations successfully prolonged voriconazole release up to 4 hours. No significant changes in physical properties, drug content and pH were recorded on storage for 6 months at ambient conditions for pluronic F127 based formulations. Voriconazole-loaded in-situ gel showed the same antifungal activity against Candida albicans as voriconazole supersaturated solution. In conclusion, the studied in-situ gel formulations could be promising vehicles for ophthalmic delivery of voriconazole.
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