OPHTALMIC, NASAL & OTIC PREPARATIONS

Ms. RIFFAT YASMIN

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ObjectivesDiscuss types of Ophthalmic Dosage forms with examples

Interpret the Advantages & Disadvantages of :

1. Ophthalmic solutionsa) Ophthalmic Gel forming solutionsb) Powders for Ophthalmic solutions

2. Ophthalmic Suspension3. Ophthalmic Ointment4. Ophthalmic Emulsion5. Ophthalmic Gels6. Ophthalmic Inserts

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Ophthalmic solutionsAdvantages: Ingredients are completely dissolved, inexpensive manufacturing, accepted standard of care.

Disadvantages: Messy, compliance issues, short residence time, dilution and washout, require high drug concentration, systemic side-effects

*A thickening agent may be used toincrease the viscosity but there is a chance to develop residue in the eyelashes.

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Ophthalmic Gel-forming solutionsThese are aqueous solutions of polymer having

low viscosity that forms a gel in contact with the

tear protein, pH change, temperature change.

Advantages: Ingredients are completely dissolved.Adequate contact time of medicament with the eye

Disadvantages:

It may develop residue in the eyelashes.

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Powders for solutionsDue to least instability of the drug in an

aqueous solvent some ophthalmic products

are available in dry powder form that

requires reconstitution by the pharmacist

prior administration.

Instruction: Aseptic environment is required

for reconstitution to maintain efficacy of the

product.

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Ophthalmic SuspensionsThese are aqueous suspensions of one or

more

medicament.

Advantages: Adequate contact time of

medicament.

Increased duration of action.

Disadvantages:

It may develop residue in the eyelashes.

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Ophthalmic OintmentThese are anhydrous, containing Liquid

paraffin, Wool fat and Yellow soft paraffin in the proportions 1:1:8.

They are used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes and contain drug such as Antimicrobial, Corticosteroid & NSAIDs, Advantages: Having increase contact time

Good bioavailability Disadvantage: Interfere with vision (they are

mostly used at bed time i.e. HS)

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Ophthalmic EmulsionIt mostly comprised of water & castor oil (as oily

phase)Advantages: Possesses the ability to deliver the poor water soluble drug in solublized form as eye

drops.O/W emulsion is less irritant to the eye. Increase contact timeGood bioavailabilityDisadvantage: W/O emulsion may interfere with

vision

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Ophthalmic GelIn the making of ophthalmic gels, Carbomer

(polymer) is used in aqueous medium. Advantages:

Significantly increased contact timeIncreased drug bioavailabilityDecreased dosage frequency

Disadvantages: Blurred vision due to increased

water content

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Ocular InsertOcuserts are the new drug delivery systems

which are designed in such a way that they release the drug at predetermined and predictable rates thus eliminating the frequent administration of the drug.

A drug-dispensing ocular insert containing a drug and suited for application to the eyeball, stay over a prolonged period of time, but the inserts must then be removed when they are no longer needed. 

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Contd.The systems generally include controlled,

delayed and or sustained release.

e.g. The Pilocarpine inserts used in glaucoma therapy PILOCAR-20, PILOCAR-40.

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THANK YOU

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Reference:Ansel’s: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms &

Drug Delivery Systems (8th Ed): by Howard C.

Ansel Chapter: 17

Pharmaceutical Practice: by D.M Collette

Chapter: 28

Remington: The Science & Practice of

Pharmacy