Aceclofenac oil drops: characterization and evaluation against ocular inflammation

Ocular inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis, scleritis, episcleritis and dry eye syndrome are commonly treated with eye drop formulations. In the present study, attempts were made to prepare aceclofenac oil formulations to evaluate its transcorneal permeation and anti-inflammatory effect. Ophthalmic solutions of aceclofenac with or without (0.5% v/v) benzyl alcohol were formulated in different vegetable oils and permeation studies were carried out. Aceclofenac ophthalmic solution in linseed oil containing benzyl alcohol exhibited maximum permeation (4.42% in goat, 4.26% in sheep and 3.94% in buffalo) through corneas under study. The partition characteristics of aceclofenac in linseed oil reinforced the results of permeation studies. The optimized formulation (linseed oil containing benzyl alcohol) showed better stability profile. Linseed oil aceclofenac formulation showed significant inhibitory effect on ocular inflammation induced by arachidonic acid in rabbit eyes (p < .05) and hence it can be considered as a potential approach for treatment of ocular inflammatory conditions.