FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CONTROLLED RELEASE OCULAR INSERTS OF PREDNISOLONE USING SOLVENT CASTING TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The conventional ocular dosage forms, such as eye drops, often suffer from poor bioavailability due to rapid precorneal elimination and low drug retention time. To overcome these limitations, the present study focuses on the development of controlled release matrix-type ocular inserts of prednisolone using the solvent casting technique. Different polymeric combinations, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers, were employed to achieve sustained drug release. The prepared inserts were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as thickness, weight uniformity, surface pH, folding endurance, tensile strength, and drug content uniformity. In vitro release studies were carried out using simulated tear fluid, and the release kinetics were analyzed to determine the drug release mechanism. Results indicated that the formulated ocular inserts provided sustained release of prednisolone over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent administration. Optimized formulations demonstrated satisfactory mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and controlled release profiles, suggesting their potential for improved therapeutic efficacy in the management of ocular inflammatory conditions.