2. Ophthalmic Drug DeliveryOphthalmic Drug Delivery
Pharmaceutical preparations are
applied topically to the eye to treat
surface or intraocular conditions.
4. EYE DROP
• Eye drop is common
• Volume of tear fluid in cul-
de-sac is about 7 to 8 μL7 to 8 μL
• An eye that does notnot
blinkblink can accommodate a
maximum of about 30 μL30 μL
of fluid
• Microliter-dosingMicroliter-dosing
medication droppersmedication droppers are
not generally available
• When eye blinked,blinked,
can retain only about
10 μ10 μLL
• One dropOne drop is 5050μμLL
• The optimal volumeoptimal volume
to administer, based
on eye capacity, is 55
to 10 μLto 10 μL
• Average dropperAverage dropper
delivers about 25 to25 to
50 μL/drop.50 μL/drop.
5. Pharmacologic Categories of
Ophthalmic Drugs
1. Anesthetics:1. Anesthetics: provide pain relief
preoperatively, stoperatively , for ophthalmic
trauma, and during ophthalmic examination.
2. Antibiotic and antimicrobial agents:2. Antibiotic and antimicrobial agents:
Used systemically and locally to combat
ophthalmic infection.
3. Antifungal agents:3. Antifungal agents: Among the agents
used topically against fungal endophthalmitis
and fungal keratitis.
6. 4. Anti-inflammatory agents:4. Anti-inflammatory agents: Used to treat
inflammation of the eye, as allergic
conjunctivitis.
-Steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
-Non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
5. Antiviral agents:5. Antiviral agents: Used against viral
infections, as that caused by herpes simplex
virus.
6. Astringents:6. Astringents: Used in the treatment of
conjunctivitis.
7. 7. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents:7. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents: used
topically in the treatment of intraocular
pressure and chronic open-angle glaucoma.
8. Miotics and other glaucoma agents:8. Miotics and other glaucoma agents:
Miotics are used in the treatment of
glaucoma, accommodative esotropia, and
convergent strabismus and for local
treatment of myasthenia gravis.
9. Mydriatics and cycloplegics:9. Mydriatics and cycloplegics:
Mydriatics - allow examination of the
fundus by dilating the pupil. Cycloplegics -Cycloplegics -
Mydriatics having a long duration of action.
8. 10. Protectants and artificial tears:10. Protectants and artificial tears:
Solutions employed as artificial tears or as
contact lens fluids to lubricate the eye
contain agents.
11. Vasoconstrictors and ocular11. Vasoconstrictors and ocular
decongestants: Vasoconstrictors applied
topically to the mucous membranes of the
eye cause transient constriction of the
conjunctival blood vessels.
10. • It is preferable to sterilize ophthalmics in
their final containers by autoclaving at
121°C (250°F) for 15 minutes
• Bacterial filters work with a high degree
of efficiency, they are not as reliable as
the autoclave.
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery SystemOphthalmic Drug Delivery System
11. Ophthalmic Drug Delivery SystemOphthalmic Drug Delivery System
• The isotonicity limits of an ophthalmic
solution in terms of sodium chloride or its
osmotic equivalent may range from 0.6%
to 2% without marked discomfort to the
eye.
• Ophthalmic solution's solutes, including
the active and inactive ingredients,
contribute to the osmotic pressure of a
solution.
12. Ophthalmic Drug Delivery SystemOphthalmic Drug Delivery System
• For maximum comfort, an ophthalmic
solution should have the same pH as the
tears.
• The pH of normal tears is considered to
be about 7.4
13. • ViscosityViscosity is a property of liquids related to the
resistance to flow. The reciprocal of viscosity is
fluidityfluidity..
• In the preparation of ophthalmic solutions, a
suitable grade of methylcellulose or other
thickening agent is frequently added to increase
the viscosity and thereby aid in maintaining the
drug in contact with the tissues to enhance
therapeutic effectiveness. HydroxypropylHydroxypropyl
methylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohomethylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol are also
used as thickeners in ophthalmic solutions.
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery SystemOphthalmic Drug Delivery System
14. Ophthalmic Drug Delivery SystemOphthalmic Drug Delivery System
• Ocular bioavailability is an important factor
in the effectiveness of an applied
medication.
• Physiologic factors that can affect a drug's
ocular bioavailability include protein
binding, drug metabolism, and lacrimal
drainage.
15. Ophthalmic Drug Delivery SystemOphthalmic Drug Delivery System
• Ophthalmic solutions must be sparkling
clear and free of all particulate matter for
• Drug particles in an ophthalmic
suspension must be finely subdivided,
usually micronized.
• Must be easily and uniformly redistributed
by gentle shaking of the container prior to
use.
16. Packaging OphthalmicPackaging Ophthalmic
Solutions and SuspensionsSolutions and Suspensions
• Packaged in small glass bottles with
separate glass or plastic droppers
• Packaged in soft plastic containers with a
fixed built-in dropper.
• Ophthalmic solutions used as eyewashes
are generally packaged with an eye cup,
which should be cleaned and dried
thoroughly before and after each use.
17. Proper Administration ofProper Administration of
Ophthalmic Solutions andOphthalmic Solutions and
SuspensionsSuspensions
• Should be advised to wash the hands
thoroughly.
• Should inspect the dropper to make sure it
has no chips or cracks.
• Ophthalmic solutions should be inspected
for color and clarity.
• Should be shaken thoroughly prior to
administration to distribute the suspensoid
evenly.
18. • The cap of an eye drop container should
be removed immediately and returned
immediately after use.
IMPORTANT: The dropper or administration
tip should be held as near as possible to
the lid without actually touching the eye.
DO NOT allow the dropper or
administration tip to touch any surface.
IMPORTANT: Be very careful when
applying this ointment. DO NOT allow the
tip of the ointment tube to touch the eyelid,
the eyeball, your finger, or any surface.
19. Contact Lenses and Care andContact Lenses and Care and
Use SolutionsUse Solutions
20. Types of Contact Lenses
1. Hard contact lenses1. Hard contact lenses - provide durability
and clear, crisp vision.
2. Soft contact lenses -2. Soft contact lenses - are more popular
than hard lenses because of their greater
comfort. soft lenses do not provide the same
high level of visual acuity as hard lenses.
Two general types of soft contact lens
1. Daily wear -1. Daily wear - must be removed at bedtime
2. Extended wear -2. Extended wear - designed to be worn for
more than 24 hours, with some approved for
up to 30 days of continuous wear.
21. - DisposableDisposable soft lensessoft lenses do not
require cleaning and disinfection for the
recommended period of use.
3.3. Rigid gas permeable (RGP)contactRigid gas permeable (RGP)contact
lenses -lenses - They are oxygen permeable but
hydrophobic.
22. Color Additives to Contact
Lenses
Color additives that come into direct
contact with the body for a significant period
must be demonstrated to be safe for
consumer use.
23. Care of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses receive appropriate care
to retain their shape and optical
characteristics and for safe use.
Types of solutions are used to achieve the
care needs of contact lenses:
•Cleaning solutionsCleaning solutions
•Soaking solutionsSoaking solutions
• Wetting solutionsWetting solutions
• Mixed-purpose solutionsMixed-purpose solutions
25. Products for Soft Contact LensesProducts for Soft Contact Lenses
Soft lenses tend to accumulate
proteinaceous material that forms a film on
the lens, decreasing clarity and serving as a
potential medium for microbial growth.
Two main categories of cleaners:
-Surfactants - which emulsify accumulated
oils, lipids, and inorganic compounds
-Enzymatic cleaners - which break down and
remove protein deposits.
26. Products for Soft Contact LensesProducts for Soft Contact Lenses
Storage and rinsing the lenses, salinesaline
solutionssolutions are used, because saline maintains
their curvature, diameter, and optical
characteristics.
27. Products for Soft Contact LensesProducts for Soft Contact Lenses
Two methods of Disinfection:
Thermal (heat)Thermal (heat) – the lenses are
placed in a specially designed heating unit
with saline solution.
Chemical (no heat)Chemical (no heat) - hydrogen
peroxide systems for chemical disinfection
has become more popular
28. To prevent eye irritation from residual
peroxide disinfection, it is necessary that the
lenses be exposed to one
Types of neutralizing agents:
1. Catalytic typeCatalytic type (an enzyme catalase or a
platinum disk),
2. RReactive typeeactive type (such as sodium pyruvate
or sodium thiosulfate),
3. DiDilution–elutionlution–elution typetype employing dilution
techniques
30. Products for Hard ContactProducts for Hard Contact
LensesLenses
A surfactant cleanersurfactant cleaner is used by
applying the solution or gel to both surfaces
of the lens and then rubbing the lens in the
palm of the hand with the index finger for
about 20 seconds.
31. Products for Hard ContactProducts for Hard Contact
LensesLenses
Soaking solutions contain a sufficient
concentration of disinfecting agent, usually
0.01% benzalkonium chloride and 0.01%
edetate sodium, to kill surface bacteria.
32. Products for Soft Contact LensesProducts for Soft Contact Lenses
Wetting solutions contain surfactants
to facilitate hydration of the hydrophobic
lens surface.
33. Products for Soft Contact LensesProducts for Soft Contact Lenses
Combination solutions mix effects,
such as cleaning and soaking, wetting and
soaking, or cleaning, soaking, and wetting.
35. • One of two cleaning methods, either
hand washing or mechanical washing,
may be used.
Hand washingHand washing - the lens may be
cleaned by holding the concave side up
in the palm of the hand.
Mechanical washingMechanical washing -is advantageous
because the possibility of the lens
turning inside out or warping during
cleaning is minimized.
Products for RGP Contact LensesProducts for RGP Contact Lenses
38. Nasal Decongestant Solutions
Nasal decongestant solutions are
employed in the treatment of rhinitis of the
common cold, for vasomotor and allergic
rhinitis including hay fever, and for sinusitis.
Nasal decongestants are in the form of
inhalants.
40. Proper Administration and Use of
Nasal Drops
• Before using the drops, the patient should
be advised to blow the nose gently and
wash the hands thoroughly with soap and
water.
• Patient should lie down on a flat surface,
such as a bed, hanging the head over the
edge and tilting the head back as far as
comfortable.
• The dropper should be replaced in the
bottle and tightened.
41. Proper Administration and Use of
Nasal Sprays
• The patient should gently blow the nose to
clear the nostrils and wash the hands
thoroughly with soap and water.
• The patient should insert the nose piece into
the nostril, pointing it slightly backward, and
close the other nostril with one finger.
• Patients should not share their medicated
spray with another person to prevent the
possibility of cross contamination between
individuals.
42. OTIC PREPARATIONOTIC PREPARATION
Otic preparations are sometimes
referred to as ear or aural preparations.
Solutions are most frequently used in the
ear, with suspensions and ointments also
finding some application
Ear preparations are usually placed in
the ear canal by drops in small amounts for
removal of excessive cerumen (earwax) or
for treatment of ear infections, inflammation,
or pain.
43. Cerumen-Removing Solutions
Cerumen is a combination of the
secretions of the sweat and sebaceous
glands of the external auditory canal.
Commercial product uses carbamide
peroxide in glycerin and propylene glycol
(Debrox drops, GSK)
44. Anti-Infective, Anti-Inflammatory,
and Analgesic Ear Preparations
• Drugs used topically in the ear for their
anti-infective activity include such agents
as ciprofloxacin, colistin sulfate, neomycin,
ofloxacin, polymyxin B sulfate, and
nystatin, the latter agent used to combat
fungal infections.
• These agents are formulated into
eardrops (solutions or suspensions) in a
vehicle of anhydrous glycerin or propylene
glycol.
45. Proper Administration and Use of
Otic Drops
• Earwax removal drops should be instilled
and then removed with an ear syringe.
• If the product is a suspension, shaken
prior to withdrawal into the dropper.
• When instilled into the ear, to allow the
drops to run in deeper, the earlobe should
be held up and back.