Azithromycin (AZM),
a macrolide antibiotic used for the treatment
of chlamydial conjunctivitis, is less effective for the treatment
of this disease due to its poor bioavailability (38%). Various alternatives
have been developed for improving the physicochemical properties (i.e.,
solubility) of the AZM without much success. To overcome the problems
associated with AZM, an inclusion complex employing a modified cyclodextrin,
i.e., sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), was prepared
and characterized by phase solubility studies and PXRD techniques.
The results portrayed the formation of an inclusion complex of AZM
with SBE-β-CD in 1:2 molar stoichiometric ratios. This inclusion
complex was later incorporated into a polymer matrix to prepare an
in situ
gel. Various combinations of Carbopol 934P and hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) polymers were used and evaluated by rheological
and
in vitro
drug release studies. The optimized
formulation (F4) containing Carbopol 934P (0.2% w/v) and HPMC K4M
(0.2% w/v) was evaluated for clarity, pH, gelling capacity, drug content,
rheological properties,
in vitro
drug release pattern,
ocular irritation test, and antimicrobial efficacy. Finally, owing
to the improved antimicrobial efficacy and increased residence time,
the AZM:SBE-β-CD
in situ
gel was found to be
a promising formulation for the efficient treatment of bacterial ocular
disease.