Preparation and Characterization of Natamycin Loaded Bioadhesive inSituOphthalmic Gel for Enhanced Bioavailability

Abstract

Natamycin, an antifungal agent that has been approved in the management of exteriorfungal infectionsof the oculus such asfungal keratitis,blepharitis, and conjunctivitis. The ophthalmic preparation needs frequent installation into the eye due to the quickprecorneldrugloss which may lead to poor bioavailability. The present investigation aimed at formulation development and characterization of in situophthalmic gel of natamycin by using a blend polymer of sodium alginate, ethylcellulose, and Xanthan gum for better residence time to improvethe bioavailability of the drug. The six different formulations (F1 to F6) of natamycin in situgel were prepared. All the formulations were evaluated for clarity, visual appearance, pH, gelling capacity, drug content, drug release, release kinetic, ocular irritancy, and in vitro stability. The results were found to have complied with the pharmacopoeial specification. The in vitrodrug releases of F3 formulation established maximum drug release for 8 h as compared to other formulations in sustained manner.Further, the F3 formulation was found to be stable, safe and innocuous. The studies suggested that prepared in situophthalmic gel of natamycin will be a valuable alternative to conventional eye drops to counter the precorneal loss.