METHODS OF USING PILOCARPINE AND POLYMERS IN OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A REVIEW
B. Premkumar*, M. D. Swetha, S. Mohamed Shehal, G. Saroj, P. R. Roshan Khumaar, D. Keshika, M. Pradeepkumar, K. Samunesh and K. Karthick
ABSTRACT
Ocular drug delivery poses significant challenges due to physiological barriers such as tear fluid turnover, blinking, and limited corneal permeability, which hinder effective drug absorption. Pilocarpine, a cholinergic agent widely used for the management of glaucoma and other ocular conditions, demonstrates poor bioavailability when administered through conventional eye drops, necessitating frequent dosing and causing potential side effects. To overcome these limitations, polymer-based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising alternatives, offering controlled and sustained release of drugs while enhancing ocular retention and bioavailability. This review explores various methods of incorporating pilocarpine into polymeric carriers for ocular delivery, including nanoparticles, microspheres, hydrogels, and mucoadhesive systems. Each method presents unique advantages: nanoparticles enhance corneal penetration, hydrogels offer prolonged retention, and mucoadhesive polymers improve contact time with ocular tissues. The integration of pilocarpine with advanced polymeric technologies holds great potential to improve therapeutic outcomes in glaucoma treatment and reduce dosing frequency, making ocular therapy more effective and patient-friendly.
Keywords: Ocular drug delivery, polymeric carriers, nanoparticles, microspheres, hydrogels.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]
Impact Factor : 8.181 
