HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT POLYOXYETHYLENE AS AN ADDITIVE IN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTIONS

High-molecular weight polyoxyethylene (POE) was evaluated for potentia l use as an additive in ophthalmic solutions of indomethacin. The basi c drug model was formulated on the basis of hydrotropic and micellar i nteractions. The influence of POE on the solution viscosity and stabil ity, as well as on in vitro diffusion of indomethacin through an artif icial lipid membrane, was comparatively studied with other hydrophilic polymers. It was established that POE shows advantages over hydroxypr opylmethylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol and can be used as a polymer ic additive in ophthalmic aqueous solutions of indomethacin.