Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Gel Loaded with Fluconazole Niosomes
Gajjala Sravan
G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500028, India.
K. Latha *
G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500028, India.
R. Padmavathi
G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500028, India.
Maimuna Fatima
G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500028, India.
C. V. Sai Sravani
G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500028, India.
M. Saritha
Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Duvvada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530049, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The study aims to formulate and evaluate topical gel-loaded fluconazole niosomes. Fluconazole is a macrolide antibacterial used against various susceptible bacteria. Niosomes have a substantial role in the delivery of drugs as they can reduce toxicity and modify pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. Niosomes which are applied topically improve the deposition of drugs within stratum corneum and epidermis at the same time reducing systemic availability.
Methodology: In current investigation, fluconazole was entrapped into niosomes by thin-film hydration technique with the optimization of various process parameters like entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, shape and in-vitro drug release studies.
Results: Optimized formulations FNS5 and FNT4 prepared with Span-60 and Tween-60 exhibited vesicle sizes of 845.6 nm and 164.2 nm, zeta potential -10.2 mV and -46.4 mV indicating the formulation has good stability. The optimized niosomes were integrated into carbopol 934 and guar gum gels and then extensively characterized for zeta potential and vesicle size.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that entrapment of drugs into niosomes led to prolonged drug release time, enhanced permeation and drug retention.
Keywords: Niosomes, fluconazole, carbopol 934, guar gum