Original Research Article Ketorolac Tromethamine In-situ Ocular Hydro Gel; Preparation, Characterization, and In-vivo Evaluation

aim of this work is to formulate Ketorolac trom ethamine in a new ocular in situ hydro gel delivery system. Two polym ers; Chitosan and Carbopol 940 were used in different concentrations for the preparation of the in situ hydro gels, all formulations exposed to visual examination, pH measurement, in-vitro release, rheological study , stability study, and in-vivo anti-inflammatory effect study on the infla med eye of rabbits. Results showed that all formulations were clear and showed pH within the acceptable range, Chitosan 0.5%w/v gives the hi ghest release rate, all formulae exhibited pseudoplastic flow with a th ixotropic behavior, stability study showed that rate of drug degradatio n followed first order kinetics and 0.5% Chitosan based formula showed longer shelf life (2.532 year), the percent of unhealed ulcers of the inflamed eye of rabbits was 17.5% for 0.5% Chitosan in situ hydro g el compared to 55% for Acular eye drop (positive control). Statistical analysis of the data revealed significance difference between the tested formula and control solution at p <0.05. So this system that combines t he advantages of both solutions and gels, such as accuracy and facility o f administration of the former and prolonged residence time of the latter, also enhances the healing rate of Ketorolac tromethamine in ulcerativ e rabbit's eye compared to ocular eye drops.