Acyclovir Loaded Ophthalmic Lyophilisate Carrier System (OLCS): Development, Characterization and Ocular Irritation Study

Author(s)

Patel, N., Parejiya, P., Mehta, D., Patel, H., Shelat, P.

Author's Affiliation

Abstract

The eye is a complex organ with a unique anatomy and physiology. A major problem in ocular drug delivery is the availability of optimal drug concentration at the site of action, which is compromised mainly due to precorneal loss resulting in only a small fraction of the drug being occularly absorbed. The present study was aimed to design Ophthalmic Lyophilisate Carrier System (OLCS) for Acyclovir (ACV) to defeat the cons of conventional ophthalmic formulations. Various hydrophilic polymers were tried to select best polymer for giving acceptable strength to the system. Methocel^® E5 was selected as an optimal polymer for making drug-polymer solution having desirable strength. Poly propylene was optimized as a most effective carrier. Exhaustive preformulation study and drug excipients compatibility study was performed. The supportive media was sterilized by steam sterilizer. OLCS was finally lyophilized by conventional laboratory freeze dryers. The developed formulation was characterized for various physicochemical parameters. Ocular irritation study of OLCS was performed using a modified het-cam test and assessed by irritation score. The OLCs were charged for the accelerated stability studies as per ICH guidelines (25±°C/60% RH, 40°C/75% RH) for a period of 6 months. The results of drug excipients compatibility study and FTIR spectra revealed compatibility of drug with proposed excipients. The IS score of the developed OLCS was 0.60 indicating non ocular irritancy of OLCS. The results of all physicochemical parameters were within the acceptable limit for eye application. The results of short term stability study showed desirable stability of developed formulation. Thus, OLCs can be a promising approach for ophthalmic delivery of drug with desirable bioavailability and minimal loss.

Keywords

Ophthalmic Lyophilisate Carrier System, Sterility, Het-Cam Test, Stability Study

Cite This Article

Patel, N., Parejiya, P., Mehta, D., Patel, H., Shelat, P. (2016). Acyclovir Loaded Ophthalmic Lyophilisate Carrier System (OLCS): Development, Characterization and Ocular Irritation Study, International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS), 5(3), 151-159.