Abstract

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF SELECTED ANTIFUNGAL LOADED ETHOSOMAL GEL FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Dr. S. Chandra*, S. Sangeetha, Sonam Sasi, R. Suresh, B. Nandhini, S. Kavibharathi

Abstract

In the present research work, an attempt was made to develop ethosomal gel of suitable antifungal drug and efficiency of ethosomes as novel lipid carriers for topical delivery of suitable drug has been evaluated. The ethosomal approach was selected to enhance the permeability of ketoconazole that increases bioavailability, reduce side effects, reduce large doses and increase the therapeutic efficacy. The ethosomal gel of ketoconazole was prepared by using cold method by using different concentration of ethanol and phospholipid. The prepared formulations were evaluated for drug entrapment efficiency, drug content, spreadability, viscosity, pH, homogeneity and grittiness, percentage yield and in vitro drug release studies. In vitro drug release studies were performed by using Franz Diffusion Cell for 8h. The results of FTIR analysis showed that there was no physical and chemical interaction between drug and other excipients. The formulation F5 was considered as best formulation. The data obtained from in vitro release study were fitted into various mathematical models like zero order, first order, Higuchi and Peppas. The results of mathematical modeling obtained indicated that it was best explained by zero order followed by Higuchimodel. The study indicated that the ethosomal gel of ketoconazole can effectively improve the bioavailability of drug by penetration enhancement and thereby reduce the frequency of administration. The ethosomal gel could be successfully prepared.

Keywords: Ketoconazole, ethanol, phospholipid, ethosomes, topical drug delivery systems.