Abstract

In situ gelling systems based on temperature-dependent phase transition containing pheniramine and phenylephrine were developed using combination of Poloxamers, different cellulose polymers (HPMC) and xanthan gum. The formulations were tested for in vitro gelation, appearance, pH, drug content, in vitro drug release, mucoadhesive strength, preservative efficacy and stability. In vitro release studies revealed significant prolonged released of both drugs up to 24 h as against only 2 h with drug solution. Formulations were found to stable over period of 3 months. In vivo nasal residence time of in situ gel by gamma scintigraphy was found to be significantly higher (6 h) in comparison to drug solution (15 min). It can be concluded that Poloxamers in combination with HPMC are suitable to develop stable, safe in situ temperature-based mucoadhesive gelling systems with prolonged nasal residence time.