FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OCCULAR IN-SITU GEL LOADED ANTIFUNGAL VORICONSOLE DRUG

The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate an ocular in situ gel containing the antifungal drug Voriconazole for the effective treatment of fungal eyes infection. In situ gel systems offer advantages such as prolonged contact time and improved patient compliance compared to conventional eye drop. Voriconsole a broad – spectrum antifungal agent was incorporated into a sol- to- gel transition system using polymer responsive to physiological stimuli such as temperature or PH. The formulated gels were evaluated for various parameters including appearance, pH, viscosity, drug content, gelling capacity, in vitro drug release. The results demonstrated that the in situ gel remained in a liquid state at room temperature and transformed into a gel upon contact with simulated tear fluid. It showed sustained drug releases over the extended period and maintained appropriate sterility and physicochemical characteristics. The study concluded that the developmed in situ gel formulation of voriconsole is a promising ocular drug delivery systems with potential for clinical use in the management of fungal keratitis and other ocular fungal infections. It involves preparing liquid formulation that transition to a gel upon application to the eye, using stimuli like temperature or pH changes.