Formulation and Evaluation of Ocular Nano In Situ Gel of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride in Rabbit

Objective: The present work was aimed at the development of an optimized nano in situ gel with Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride for the treatment of ocular infections. Presently available ocular formulations show poor absorption of the drug due to rapid dilution and poor retention of the drug. Methods: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride nano in-situ gel (NIG) formulations were prepared using 32 factorial design by selecting two independent variables poloxamer 407 (X1) and pectin (X2) each at three levels. These were evaluated for gel strength (Y1), % drug release (Y2), gelling time (Y3), and viscosity (Y4). Then, the design expert® software version 11 was applied to obtain the composition of Optimized Nano In-situ Gel (ONIG) formulation. Then, it was prepared and evaluated for isotonicity, sterility, in vitro antibacterial activity, ex vivo permeation using goat cornea and in vivo efficacy using rabbits and compared with the results of marketed Ciprofloxacin HCl eye drops. Results: Good agreement was confirmed between the predictability and validity of the model and the prepared ciprofloxacin ONIG was successful in obtaining fast action, and increased residence time with reduced frequency of administration as it has shown fast recovery from ophthalmic infections compared with the marketed formulation. Conclusion: The developed ONIG of ciprofloxacin can be used as a potential novel ophthalmic formulation for the treatment of different eye infections with increased patient compliance. The developed formulation is significant in overcoming the above obstacles for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.