Formulation and characterization of oxiconazole-loaded emulgel for topical application

Abstract

Background: Oxiconazole nitrate is a new topical broad spectrum antifungal agent used to treat superficial fungal infections. It has a low aqueous solubility due to which different techniques are employed to enhance its bioavailability. Emulgel has emerged as one of the most interesting topical drug delivery system for hydrophobic drugs like Oxiconazole as it has dual release control systems i.e. emulsion and gel. Objective: In the present work an attempt was made to prepare Emulgel of Oxiconazole nitrate for enhancing its topical delivery. Materials and Methods: Emulgel formulations were characterized by various parameters like pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, in vitro drug release. Skin irritation test on wistar rats and in vitro antifungal test on Candida albicans were performed. Results: Optimized formulation F5 showed 92.06% release at the end of 12 hrs. It showed no skin irritation and observed with maximum zone of inhibition when compared with marketed cream of Oxiconazole nitrate. Conclusion: The optimized emulgel formulation F5 showed better antifungal activity in comparison to the marketed formulation.