Formulation and Development of Extended Release Ocusert for Gemifloxacin Mesylate with Dexamethsaone

Ocular drug delivery is one of the most challenging and fascinating task faced by the Pharmaceutical Researchers. The challenges to the formulators are to circumvent the protective barriers of the eye without causing permanent tissue damage, maintain a stable therapeutic level at the site of action for a prolonged period of time and reduce the frequency of instillation thereby maintaining a continuous sustained therapeutic level. The objective of the present investigation is to formulate a novel drug delivery system for ophthalmic use for the treatment of ocular conjunctivitis. Ocuserts of Gemifloxacin mesylate and Dexamethasone were formulated and evaluated. Materials and Methods: Initially preformulation studies of Gemifloxacin mesylate, Dexamethasone, polymer and excipients were performed to check their compatibility. Different combinations of Gemifloxacin mesylate, Dexamethasone, Carbopol 974, 980 981, PEG 400 and glycerine were formulated by solvent cast method and evaluated.Results and Discussion: The formulated ocusert was evaluated for clarity, smoothness, surface pH, drug content, and in-vitro drug release study. Conclusion: Formula GD 74 fulfilled the needs of all organoleptic parameters and also the in vitro release study. These Ocusert will be surely an alternative for conventional eye drops and boon to patients in future.