Abstract

OCULAR TIMOLOL MALEATE-LOADED PRONIOSOMAL GELS: FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION

Chetna Dubey*

ABSTRACT

The current investigation aims to develop and evaluate novel ocular proniosomal gels of Timolol maleate; in order to reduce intraocular pressure thus treating open angle glaucoma. Proniosomes were prepared using different types of nonionic surfactants solely and as mixtures with Span 60. The formed gels were characterized for entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and in vitro drug release. Sustained drug release from vesicles is accomplished by high entrapment of the drug. Analysis of the results showed that Span 60 based proniosomes give rise to more entrapped drug. This is due to the increased hydrophobicity of the bilayers formed by Span 60 due to its longer alkyl chains and the lower HLB value of Span 60 (HLB 4.7) leading to effective entrapment of the drug. Timolol maleate (TM) is one of the drugs of choice for treatment of open angle glaucoma. Since excessive loss of drug through nasolacrimal drainage can cause respiratory and cardiovascular side effects, it is important to minimize the systemic absorption and enhance ocular bioavailability of TM.

Keywords: Timolol Maleate, ocular delivery, proniosomes, In-vitro drug release study