An Ocular Route of Administration for Drugs through Novel Approach of Self-microemulsifying Formulation – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Drug administration through ocular route is associated to treat the ophthalmic diseases; glaucoma, conjunctivitis, retinal disorder, and diabetic eye problems. Various ophthalmic formulations as nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, microemulsion, nanosphere, microsphere, and nanosuspension have been developed. Such novel formulations have ability to prolonged the contact time of dosage form on ocular surface and reduce the drug elimination. Microemulsion is the thermodynamically stable and clear dispersion of oil and aqueous phase stabilized by surfactant and cosurfactant with target droplet size up to100 nm. Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) approach is generally adopted to enhance bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. SMEDDS is the appropriate system for ocular drug delivery as it improves the ocular drug retention, high ocular absorption, and extended duration of action. The surfactant/cosurfactant combination used in SMEDDS has capacity to improve drug permeation across the cornea. The review gives the highlights to understand the feasibility of SMEDDS as dosage form for ocular administration to increases or improve the bioavailability. Review highlights the developmental steps of SMEDDS for the ocular drug administration as novel dosage forms to improve patient compliance.