Liposomal ophthalmic drug delivery system I. Triamcinolone acetonide

The potential of liposomes as an ophthalmic drug delivery system was investigated in the rabbit. Triamcinolone acetonide as a model compound for lipophilic drugs was encapsulated into large multilamellar vesicles and instilled into the eye. A suspension form served as a control preparation. Drug distribution was determined at various time intervals. Compared to the suspension, the liposomal form produced significantly higher drug levels in the ocular tissues up to 5 h after the drug administration. The results suggest that liposomal encapsulation of the drug may be a superior drug delivery system for ocular therapy.