Effect of the Emulsifier Polymers and the Concentration of Drug on the Viscosity and Antifungal Activity of Clotrimazole Cream

Abstract

The preparation of emulsions without heating is an ideal production process for the heat-sensitive ingredients and energy saving. This study investigated the utilization feasibility of emulsifying polymers in cream base prepared without heating for clotrimazole. A stable and acceptable cream base readily for mixing with clotrimazole was prepared at room temperature using isopropyl isostearate as an oil phase, emulsifying polymer as an emulsifier, concentrated paraben as a preservative, polyethylene glycol 400 as a solubilizer and distilled water as a water phase at a ratio of 15:3:1:5:75, respectively. Clotrimazole creams comprising emulsifying polymer were evaluated for their viscosity and pH. The evaluations were also performed on the drug release using Franz diffusion cells and the inhibition of Candida albicans using agar diffusion method compared with a commercial product. The drug loading and the viscosity of cream influenced the drug release and the antifungal activity of this developed clotrimazole cream. The types of emulsifying polymer also affected the drug release but not the antifungal activity. The drug release and antifungal activity of this clotrimazole cream were not significantly different from Canesten ® cream. There was a possibility to prepare clotrimazole cream without heating using the emulsifying polymer.