Formulation and stability study of naproxen ophthalmic preparations

ABSTRACT

Naproxen was formulated in different ophthalmic preparations as drops, gels and ocuserts using cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcel-lulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. All the prepared formulae [drops, gels and ocuserts] containing the drug were subjected to the study of the release characteristics. Also, the stability of naproxen ophthalmic preparations at different conditions of storage were investigated. The obtained results revealed that, the percentage released of naproxen from the three ophthalmic dosage forms after 7 hours were found to be in the following order; Drops>ocuserts>gels. These formulations exhibited the highest physical and chemical stability up to 6 months of storage at 25°C, 35°C and 45°C, except the formulae containing methylcellulose polymer, showed the least stable formulations. The drug content in the formulae containing methylcellulose was decreased about 10% after storage at different temperatures for 6 months