FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MICROEMULSION SYSTEMS CONTAINING AMPHOTERICIN B FOR OPHTHALMIC USE

Abstract

This is an overview of the development of microemulsion systems containing amphotericin B for ophthalmic use. The amphotericin B (AmB) is used to treat a fungal infection of eye and bioavailability of the AmB is the challenge for the research scientist. The poor bioavailability of AmB is due mainly to the corneal barrier, which eventually leads to a precorneal loss and subsequent decrease in the absorption of this drug into the intraocular tissues. Also, AmB has limited permeation across the intact corneal epithelium, which along with the toxicity associated with this molecule, epitomizes a major drawback to its clinical use. Therefore, new effective and safe drug vehicles for ocular delivery of AmB are urgently required. Recently, microemulsions (MEs) have been used in ophthalmic drug delivery system owing to their thermodynamic stability, transparent appearance, and favorable viscosity. Information and proper understanding of the physical chemistry and process of formation of AmB-containing MEs would provide reliable information on the best conditions for the use of these systems as eye drops. The aim of this research was thus to review the main studies on the use of MEs as delivery systems for AmB in topical eye treatment.