The paper focuses on the formulation of the antihistamine loratadine for hydrogels. In the first stage of this study, the evaluated polymer for the preparation of hydrogels was Carbopol® 980 of concentrations of 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 %. The paper aimed to determine the optimal concentration of Carbopol® 980 in hydrogel formulation on the basis of the evaluation of the rheological properties and biological availability of loratadine from prepared hydrogels. The results of the study show 0.5% hydrogel of Carbopol® 980 to be optimal for loratadine from the standpoint of topical administration.

        Key words: hydrogels – Carbopol® 980 – loratadine – liberation – rheological properties