Effect of different polymers on in vitro and ex vivo permeability of Ofloxacin from its mucoadhesive suspensions

Considering the importance of drug permeation from formulations, in vitro and ex vivo drug permeation characteristics of three oral mucoadhesive suspensions of Ofloxacin were designed and compared. Three suspensions of Ofloxacin were prepared by taking two grades of Carbopol polymer such as Carbopol 934 (C934) and Carbopol 940 (C940); and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The permeability study was performed by using a Franz diffusion cell through both synthetic cellulose acetate membrane and excised goat gastrointestinal membranes in acidic as well as alkaline pH. To know the permeability of the drug from control/formulations through different membranes in acidic/alkaline pH, cumulative percentage drug permeation, apparent permeability (Papp) and flux (J) were calculated. In addition, enhancement ratio (ER) of each formulation was also determined. From our results, it is evident that formulation containing C940 was the best suspension considering Papp and J values of all formulations. Moreover, it was the most beneficial formulation for improving permeation and diffusivity of Ofloxacin even after 16 h. Hence, this suspension was probably the most suitable formulation to obtain prolonged release action of the drug. The ER values of all formulations through the excised goat intestinal mucus membrane in alkaline pH were higher than those formulations through the goat stomach mucosal membrane in acidic pH. ER values of those formulations indicate that the permeability of the drug was more enhanced by the polymers in the intestinal part, leading to more bioavailability and prolonged action in that portion of the gastrointestinal tract. It may also be concluded from our results that in addition to formulation containing C940, other formulations may also show effective controlled release action.