Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic Inserts

Gatifloxacin is a fourth genration fluoroquinolone anti-infective agent useful in the treatment of eye infection such as acute and subacute conjunctivitis, keratitis and keratoconjuctivitis. An attempt has been made to formulate ophthalmic insert of gatifloxacin using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol as polymers by solvent casting method with aim of increasing the contact time, achieving controlled release, reduction in frequency of administration and greater therapeutic efficacy. The prepared ophthalmic insert were then evaluated for uniformity of thickness, weight, drug content, surface pH, % moisture absorption and % moisture loss. In vitro drug release of formulated batches of ophthalmic insert was performed by studying the diffusion through artificial membrane (transparent cellulose type cellophane paper). Out of twelve (F1 to F12) formulations prepared, the formulation F11 containing polyvinyl alcohol (6%) showed prolonged and complete release with 99.06% at the end of 7 hours. The result of in vitro diffusion study of promising formulation exhibited first order kinetic, which is non-fickian in nature. The Higuchi plot revealed that the release might be diffusion controlled.