Formulation And Development Of Posaconazole Loaded Microemulsion Based Gel For Treatment Of Fungal Infections

Abstract

Background: More than 50000 pathogenic fungal species are prevalent in recent times. Despite of current antifungal treatments available there is a need for exploration of a molecule to treat superficial fungal disorder for topical, localized delivery due to resistance of present medications and adverse events related to them.

Aim: The aim of present work is to develop the Posaconazole microemulsion based system using gel as a secondary carrier system to treat superficial and deep tissue fungal infections.

Methods: The microemulsion containing Posaconazole, labrasol as surfactant, PEG 400 as co-surfactant was prepared using phase titration method and optimized using a D-optimal design. Microemulsion was characterized for organoleptic characteristics, zeta potential, globule size, PDI value, etc. The posaconazole microemulsion based gel (PMBG) was prepared by adding babool gum into microemulsion. The microemulsion based gel was characterized for drug content, in-vitro drug release, skin permeation study, skin irritation study and stability study.

Results: The clear transparent microemulsion was having globule size of 86 ± 3 nm. The zeta potential of microemulsion was 16 ±0.4 mV along with PDI value of 0.0013 indicating the stability of microemulsion. The microemulsion based gel was having a drug content of 102.69 ± 0.58%. The drug release from the microemulsion was and the 98.50 ± 0.37%, drug permeation of PMBG was 87.27 ± 0.17% and was non-irritant to skin.

Conclusion: From the above results, it can be said that Posaconazole microemulsion based gel is safe, effective, and efficient for treatment of fungal infections via topical route of application.