Topical riboflavin and corneal ulcers

ABSTRACT

The effect of five bases viz., sodium carboxymethyl cellulose [NaCMC] polyethylene glycol [PEG[1]] and [PEG[2]], methylcellulose [MC] and polyvinyl alcohol PVA on in vitro release of riboflavine was investigated in comparison with a fatty base using dialysis technique. The release of riboflavine was slow from the fatty base while maximum release was attained from PEG[2]. followed in order by PEG[1], NaCMC, MC and PVA. NaCMC and MC, gels gave the desired release rate of the drug [moderate]. The effect of different concentrations of riboflavine [0.5,1 and 2%] in the two bases on its release rate was studied. Following the mathematical treatment of these data, 1% riboflavine-NaCMC and -MC gels were selected for further in vivo tests on rabbit's eyes. NaNCMC can deliver riboflavine to the cornea this was elicited by significant healing effect of the drug on the induced ulcer. Preliminary study in humans using NaCMC gel indicates that this formula promotes healing of various types of corneal ulcers and the reaction of the eye was much better than with other modes of therapy