MICROEMULSIONS WITH SUCROSE FATTY ESTER S URFACTANTS .1. IN-VITRO CHARACTERIZATION

A physiologically well tolerated and physico-chemically stable multipl e-components system (microemulsion) consisting of the components isopr opylmyristate, water, propylene glycol and a mixture of two sucrose fa tty acid ester surfactans with HLB values of 5 and 16, respectively, w as developed. The incorporated pilocarpine was chemically stable at a storage time of one year. The in vitro delivery rate was reduced by 50 % in comparison to the aqueous standard solution. Due to the well suit able parameters (refractive index, viscosity, pH value, physiological tolerance) the microemulsion has been discussed as a potential drug ca rrier system for the ocular administration with modified availability.