Formulation and Evaluation of Microemulsion Based Gel of oriconazole for Topical Delivery

Background: Microemulsion is one of the promising sub-micron carriers for topical drug delivery as it offers advantages like high drug-loading capacity and good skin penetration. Microemulsion based gel of voriconazole (broad-spectrum antifungal agent) could be an effective strategy for treatment of topical fungal infections. Objective: To develop microemulsion based hydrogel of voriconazole was for effective treatment of skin mycosis. Methods: Optimized microemulsion batches were selected through pseudoternary phase diagram (using oleic acid, tween 80 and IPA as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively) followed by stability studies and characterization. Results: The drug content and pH were found in the desired range. The droplet size of optimized formulations were found within the desired range (<200nm). The hydrogel prepared (from selected microemulsion batches) were found to have good spreadability and texture (adequate adherence). The in-vitro and ex-vivo studies exhibited effective VCZ flux from microemulsion based gel. The skin retention of the drug from F12-Me-Gel was significantly higher when compared with the microemulsion (F12-ME) as well as the conventional gel. Similarly, the diameter of the zone of inhibition (against Candida albicans) of F12-Me-Gel found to be higher than the microemulsion batch (F12-ME). Moreover, the skin irritation studies confirmed the benignity of the microemulsion based gel. Furthermore, the formulation was found to be stable at various temperatures (5 ± 3, 25 ± 2 and 40 ± 2 °C) as reported by the stability studies. Conclusion: Voriconazole loaded microemulsion based gel could be used effectively for the treatment of topical fungal infections.