Abstract

The fast rate of urbanization, has considerably elevated the prevalence of upper respiratory tract diseases, especially that of allergic rhinitis (AR).More than 10-30 % of the population, world-wide, is found to be affected by AR. Conventional therapy of AR is dominated by oral dosage forms of H1 blocker anti-histaminic agents and nasal decongestants while the use of steroids is reserved only for severe and non-responsive cases. Frequent administration of these agents, the severity of their side effects, significantly contributes to poor compliance by the patients. In view of this, an in-situ gelling nasal system for combined and sustained delivery of Deslorantadine (DSL), a third generation antihistaminic and Phenylephrine hydrochloride, α1-adrenergic blocker has been designed. The mechanism employed for sustained release of APIS is based on in- situ transition of trigger sensitive polymeric solutions, into more viscous and muco-adhesive gel in the nasal passage. The sol and gel phases of the formulations were characterized for pH, viscosity, muco-adhesive strength, contents and diffusion profiles of APIs. The formulation CP4H1K1DP, based on pH sensitive carbomer, possessed superior gelling characteristics, physiologically acceptable pH range, muco-adhesive strength (5865 dynes/cm2) and prolonged diffusion (in-vitro) over 6 hrs. The key stability parameters of this formulation were unaffected during the storage over 30 days, suggesting its suitability as an alternative to the existing treatment options for AR.