Development and Characterization of Mupirocin Emulgel for the Treatment of Primary and Secondary Infections in Dry Skin Conditions

Abstract

Background: Dry skin conditions’ primary and secondary infections can be treated by using mupirocin topically. By overcoming the disadvantages of ointments, creams, and lotions, the goal of the formulation of mupirocin emulgel was to improve the occlusive properties of gels and topical delivery of hydrophobic drugs with favorable properties for dry skin conditions, as well as to investigate the impact of the concentration of different gelling agents (carbopol 940, carbopol 934, xanthum gum) on viscosity and the drug release of prepared. Materials and Methods: Oil, an emulsifier, a co surfactant, and three different types of gelling agents, such as Carbopol 940, Carbopol 934, and xanthum gum, were used to make the emulgel. The physical characteristics, pH measurement, spreadability, drug content, rheological study, and in vitro drug release of each prepared emulgel were evaluated. Researchers also looked at skin sensitivity, ex vivo penetration and skin retention, antibacterial effectiveness, and stability of the mupirocin emulgel formulation. Results: Excellent homogeneity, an acceptable pH, spreadability, and medication consistency were all features of newly developed emugels. The mupirocin formulation made with carbopol 934 (0.8 percent w/w), which is F4 batch, demonstrated greatest drug release at 82.54±0.39 percent and optimal viscosity at 4117.0± 0.59 among all emulgel formulations. The improved formulation had good antibacterial activity, was stable, didn’t irritate the skin, and exhibited improved retention in the skin. Conclusion: The results show that the designed mupirocin emulgel was successfully integrated into various gelling agents and that the drug release was inversely related to viscosity.