Formulation and evaluation of naphazoline hydrochloride nasal gels

This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of naphazoline hydrochloride nasal gels to bypass first-pass liver metabolism, ensuring consistent drug levels with reduced doses. Compatibility of lipids, polymers, and the drug was confirmed via FTIR and DSC analyses. Nasal gels were formulated using carbopol, poloxamer, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Gels containing carbopol were clear and sparkling, while those with HPMC appeared white and viscous. The formulations (NNGF1-NNGF8) had pH values between 6.7 and 6.9, spreadability ranging from 22.98 to 25.36 g.cm/sec, and viscosities between 939 and 941 centipoises. Drug content varied from 83.46% to 97.32%, which was deemed acceptable. Gel strengths ranged from 64% to 95%. The in-vitro release studies showed sustained drug release, with 95% of the drug released within seven hours. Among the eight formulations, NNGF1 exhibited the best performance, indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism with non-Fickian transport. The drug release followed both Zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models.