Formulation and evaluation of voriconazole loaded ophthalmic in situ gel using a natural polymer

The eyes are one of the body's most significant and intricate organs, able to capture visual images and send them as signals via the optic nerve to the brain. The ocular transport of the medicine has been one of the challenging tasks for drug researchers because of the amazing development of the eye, which stifles the part of the prescription molecules into the perfect spot. The external visual course is the most often used method of medicine administration for treating visual diseases. Drugs used intraocularly that are topically controlled have very little visual bioavailability.  A significant amount of medication is lost as a result of dose structure spilling brought on by tear turnover and nasolacrimal seepage weakening. Therefore, 1–10% of the medicine reaches the cornea. Voriconazole is the drug used in the treatment of fungal keratitis. Various polymers are screened out & among them, K-Carrageenan & Xanthan gum were used for the preparation of various formulations. Drug loaded with voriconazole was optimized using DOE experimental design with concentration of K- Carrageenan (X1), concentration of Xanthan gum(X2) as a dependent variable while Viscosity (Y1), Percent drug release(Y2) as a dependable variable. All the formulated batches were characterized for clarity, pH, drug content, gelling capacity, viscosity, in vitro drug release, accelerated stability study. An optimized batch was evaluated & showed there was no significant difference between them. The stability study suggested the formulation did not show any significant changes in drug content, viscosity, pH, gelling capacity & percent drug release. Conclusion-An ion sensitive ophthalmic in situ gel of antifungal agent using natural polymer will be serves as an alternative dosage form to reduce frequent dosing & safe.