Design and Evaluation of Novel Ophthalmic Delivery System of Aciclovir for Herpes Simplex Infection

Aciclovir, an antiviral is effective against human Herpes Simplex viruses, commercially available as a 3 % w/w eye ointment to be applied 5 times a day in the eye. The poor therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic ointments due to rapid precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcome by the use of an ocusert inserted in the cul-de-sac of lower eye lid. Inserts containing Aciclovir were prepared by using solvent casting method. Drug reservoir and rate controlling membrane were prepared using different hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers respectively with Poly Ethylene Glycol 400 as the plasticizer. DSC and IR spectral studies were performed to confirm the interaction of drug and polymers in formulation. The ocuserts were evaluated for their physico chemical properties, mechanical properties and in-vitro release characteristics. A zero order release formulation VI was subjected to UV irradiation for sterilization. The developed formulation was stable, sterile and non-irritant.