In Situ Thermoreversible Gel of Tobramycin and Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Keratoconus: Ex-Vivo Permeation and Hemolytic Toxicity

The present study focuses on development of novel ophthalmic drug delivery system for Keratoconus disease using combination of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs like Dexamethasone and Tobramycin. Here a novel approach was used for prolong the drug delivery time with use of combination of polymers like Poloxamer, Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. The Poloxamer used here serves as temperature sensitive polymer. Thus prepared system was evaluated for various parameters. The results obtained showed that the in situ gel is clear and transparent (prime requirement for ophthalmic product) with high gelling capacity and moderately viscous liquid (1454 cp), highest bioadhesive strength (Dyne/cm(2)) 4050.9. The ex-vivo study was also done and compared with marketed eye drop formulation. The results showed superiority of in situ gel formulation over eye in sustaining the drug release over prolong period of time. The hemolytic study performed proved the non-hemolytic nature of formulation.