ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights alginate formulations and mechanisms of action of ocular dosage forms for use in the treatment of eye disorders. The ocular film is usually applied to treat anterior segment ocular diseases such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. The nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have gained a widespread attention in ocular applications. Alginic acid/sodium alginate is a natural hydrophilic, mucoadhesive, biodegradable, and nontoxic polymer that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for human use. The gelling property of alginates enhances the retention time of drug in the eye by overcoming the rapid pre-corneal elimination and therefore leads to increased drug bioavailability. The ionic interaction between carteolol and alginic acid may be the cause for slow in vitro drug diffusion. Carteolol–alginic acid formulations show excellent ocular tolerance without any irritation and histopathological changes. The use of nanoparticulate systems entails epithelial retention of the drug compared to free drug.
