Study of thermo-sensitive in-situ gels for ocular delivery

The aim of the present study was the development of thermo-sensitive in-situ gels for in-vitro evaluation of ophthalmic delivery systems of ketorolac tromethamine (KT), based on methylcellulose (MC) in combination with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC). The gel temperature of 1% MC solution was observed at 60°C. It was found that 6% oral rehydration salt without dextrose (ORS) was capable to reduce the gel temperature below physiological temperature. HPMC was added to increase viscosity and drug release time. The results indicated a large increase in viscosity at 37°C with addition of HPMC whch provided sustained release of the drug over a 4h period. From in-vitro release studies, it could be concluded that the developed systems were thus a better alternative to conventional eye drops.