Timolol Maleate In Situ Ophthalmic Mucoadhesive-Thermosensitive Gel: Development and Characterization

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to prepare a sustained delivery mucoadhesive-thermosensitive formulation containing poloxamer 338 (P338), poloxamer 188 (P188) and mucoadhesive agents such as chitosan (CHT) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to increase the ophthalmic bioavailability of Timolol Maleate (TM). Materials and Methods: Gels were prepared by mixing different amounts of P338, P188 and mucoadhesive agents in cold isotonic water with a magnetic stirrer. The sol-gel gelation time of the gels was determined using the test tube inversion method. Viscosity measurements and analysis of mechanical properties of gel formulations were carried out. In vitro release using dialysis membrane and ex vivo permeation studies using fresh cow eyes were performed.