Aim: This work aimed to design and characterize cross-linked hyaluronic acid–itaconic acid films loaded with acetazolamide–hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin–triethanolamine complexes. Materials & methods: Films were cross-linked with itaconic acid and poly(ethyleneglycol)-diglycidylether. Biopharmaceutical properties were assessed by evaluating in vitro drug release rate, biocompatibility in a human corneal epithelial cell line, bioadhesiveness with pig gastric mucin, in vivo bioadhesion and efficacy. Results: Showed good mechanical properties and oxygen permeability. Proliferation rate of corneal cells was affected by highest acetazolamide concentration. Bioadhesive interaction exhibited a water movement from pig mucin to the film; in vivo experiments showed strong bioadhesion for 8 h and hypotensive effect for almost 20 h. Conclusion: Experimental set showed promising performance and encouraged future studies to optimize formulation.
