A potential new therapeutic system for glaucoma: solid lipid nanoparticles containing methazolamide

Methazolamide (MTA) is an antiglaucoma drug; however, there are many side effects of its systemic administration with insufficient ocular therapeutic concentrations. The aim of this study was to formulate MTA-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and evaluate the potential of SLNs as a new therapeutic system for glaucoma. SLNs were prepared by a modified emulsion--solvent evaporation method and their physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. The pharmacodynamics was investigated by determining the percentage decrease in intraocular pressure. The ocular irritation was studied by Draize test. Despite a burst release of SLNs, the pharmacodynamic experiment indicated that MTA--SLNs had higher therapeutic efficacy, later occurrence of maximum action, and more prolonged effect than drug solution and commercial product. Formulation of MTA--SLNs would be a potential delivery carrier for ocular delivery, with the advantages of a more intensive treatment for glaucoma, lower in doses and better patient compliance compared to the conventional eye drops.