USE OF INORGANIC NANOPARTICLES TO MODIFY THE VISCOSITY AND OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF OPHTHALMIC AND OTIC PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

摘要

The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials e.g., synthetic smectite clays in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity, flow characteristics, lubricity or other characteristics of the compositions. The invention is particularly directed to the provision of lubricant compositions for the eye and ear, and to enhancement of the viscosity, shear thinning and lubricity of artificial tear compositions.