Abstrato

Applying the Factorial Design Method to Optimize Eberconazole Niosomal Gel as Drug Carriers for Skin Delivery

Vijaya Sri K, Shirisha K, Niharika K and Setti MLV

Objective: The main objective was to develop topical niosomal gel loaded with eberconazole. Eberconazole is an imidazole derivative, which is having high potency against dermatophytes, yeasts and prevents fungal growth by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. So, as to overcome the hepatic metabolism eberconozole topical niosomes were prepared.

Methods: Niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration technique using 32 factorial designs and evaluated for various parameters like the percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size analysis, zeta potential, in vitro drug release rates. Carbopol 934 is the selective polymer used as gelling agent. The optimized EBZ4 and EBZ7 niosomal formulations were incorporated into gel base for topical delivery of the drug. EBZG4 gel formulation for skin permeation and antifungal activity studies were compared with the marketed formulation.

Results: The formulation EBZ4, EBZ7 have high percentage entrapment and drug release when compared with the other formulations. It was observed that as the amount of nonionic surfactant increases, drug release decreases and the release of EBZ4 and EBZ7 follows zero order release. EBZG4 showed more drug release compared to EBZG7. Skin irritation test indicates that there was no reaction observed on the rat skin. The optimized gel showed zone of inhibition in 23 mm.

Conclusions: The developed eberconazole-niosomal formulation gave rise to stable, nano-sized vesicles, able to improve eberconazole antifungal activity in topical delivery.