NEWER OPHTHALMIC IN SITU GEL OF MOXIFLOXACIN HYDROCHLORIDE: OPTIMIZATION USING BOX BEHNKEN STATISTICAL DESIGN

Objective: The present research work aims at describing the formulation and evaluation of the ocular delivery system of moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MH) based on the concept of ion sensitive in situ gelations. Methods: In situ gel was prepared by a hot method using 0.6% of gelrite, 0.25% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K 4 M) and 0.023% tamarind gum as bioadhesive polymers for sustained drug release. Optimization was done by Box Behnken Design with different concentration of gelrite (X 1 ), HPMC K 4 M (X 2 ) and tamarind gum (X 3 ) as independent variables. In situ gel was optimized based on mucoadhesion index (Y1), Gel strength (Y2) and in vitro drug release (Y3). Influence of the quantitative variable on the dependent variable was predicted by a polynomial equation. Results: Infrared spectroscopy excluded any interaction between drug and excipients. The selected independent variables significantly influenced the responses and were able to sustain the drug release. The prepared gel with a pH of 6.8 to 7.4 exhibited non-newtonian flow with no ocular irritation. The formulation remained stable with no change in pH and viscosity after 30 d of stability study. Conclusion: Thus, moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MH) in situ gel is a viable alternative to a conventional delivery system with the properties of sustained drug release, prolonged ocular retention, and improved corneal penetration.