Fabrication and evaluation of Olopatadine hydrochloride ocular inserts

Development of the novel delivery provides optimal drug delivery via facilitated transcorneal penetration and ultimately improved retention time in eye. The present study was to fabricate and evaluate the performance of ocular inserts of Olopatadine hydrochloride by consuming polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, gelatin, and chitosan at various concentrations with different plasticizers using solvent casting technique. Prepared formulations were evaluated for thickness, weight variations, drug content, surface pH, swelling studies, and in vitro drug release. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies showed that interaction occurred between polymer and drug, and successful drug entrapment occurred in the matrix. All formulations showed excellent film-forming capacity with good thickness and weight uniformity. Folding endurance proved that the inserts were soft, elastic, and flexible. Chitosan-based ocular inserts showed greater swelling index as compared to gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose inserts. In vitro studies showed prolonged drug release and followed zero-order kinetic model and non-Fickian drug release.