Effects of Various Emulsifying Agent and Permeability Enhancer on Percutaneous Absorption of Novel Microemulsion-Based Cream

Abstract

Terbinafine hydrochloride is an antifungal drug used in the treatment of fungal infections. The oral use of terbinafine hydrochloride is not recommended as it has many potential side effects and undergoes hepatic first pass metabolism. Topical route of application has a great potential as an effective and safe way to administer drug for its antifungal in effect. The concentration of surfactant and permeation enhancer significantly affects the critical parameters of cream formulation like flux, cumulative amount released at 12 hours and enhancement ratio. In vitro permeation study across rat epidermal membrane showed that menthol enhanced the transdermal absorption of drug from cream formulation. The topical cream formulation developed in this study holds the promise for the further in vivo studies. The aim of the present work under investigation is to check the effects of emulsifying agents (Cremophor RH40, Tween 60) and permeation enhancers (l-Menthol) on cream. Developing a formulation that is safe and can deliver the drug locally in an effective concentration for its effect. The development of topical antifungal drug delivery systems designed to have localized effects appears to be very advisable and beneficial over conventional routes of provides the drug administration. However, due to the relative impermeability of the stratum corneum, which principal resistance to percutaneous absorption, extensive studies are generally necessary in order to optimize both the release of the drug from the topical vehicle and skin permeation further, A topical formulation must be both physically and chemically stable, this require numerous excipients. Aesthetically pleasing, in addition to being properties, hence they play emulsifying agents and permeation enhancers have major influence on these important role.
 Keywords: Emulsifying agents, Permeation enhancers, Stratum corneum, Antifungal, Topical cream