RESUMEN
Objective To prepare an in situ gel system for nasal delivery of menthol and to evaluate the safety of this formulation.Methods Menthol in situ gel was prepared with deacetylatedgellan gum.The nasal mucocilia toxicities of this formulation was evaluated using in situ toad palate model.Guinea pig skin sensitization test and the rabbit skin irritation test were conducted.Skin allergy and irritation reaction were monitored and scored.Results No significant effect on nasal mucosa ciliary movement and the morphology of rat nasal mucosa were observed.The formulation did not induce any dermal irritation in rabbits.Skin allergic reaction was not found in guinea pigs.Conclusion The preparation of menthol in situ nasal gel with low ciliary toxicity was easily achieved.This gel has good physiological flexibility.The further investigation was warranted for this formulation as an intranasal drug delivery system.