| DOI: 10.29090/psa.2026.03.26.10153 | Pharm Sci Asia 2026; 53(3), 334-343 |
Characterization and efficacy evaluation of itraconazole microemulsion-based gels for treatment of dermal fungal infectionsSaratsanan Promjan, Prapaporn Boonme*
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Drug Delivery System Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
This study aimed to formulate, characterize, and efficacy evaluate itraconazole microemulsion-based gels (ITZ-MBGs). Three blank microemulsions (MEs) were selected from the ME region of a system containing clove oil, polysorbate 80, and a 1:1 mixture of water and polyethylene glycol 400. Polyvinyl butyral at the concentration of 17% w/w was used to convert liquid MEs to semisolid MBGs. Simple ITZ-gel was formulated for comparison. ITZ was incorporated at 1% w/w in drug-loaded samples. All prepared formulations were characterized for physicochemical properties when being kept at 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C for three months. In vitro skin permeation efficacy was evaluated using shed snakeskin as model membrane. Antifungal activities against C. albicans and T. rubrum were assessed by agar diffusion method. A commercial emulgel was used for comparison in the skin permeation and antifungal activity studies. ITZ-MBGs were transparent yellow gels with water-in-oil type. They had pH in the range of 5.44-5.92. Their viscosity with pseudoplastic flow, gel strength, and adhesiveness were in direct relationship while spreadability was in inverse relationship. No interaction between ITZ and formulation ingredients was found in FTIR spectra. Although ITZ-gel provided high antifungal activity, it was too acidic for skin application. ITZ-MBGs showed more favorable skin permeation efficacy and larger fungal inhibition zones than a commercial emulgel. They were chemically stable under the investigated storage conditions. The findings revealed that ITZ-MBGs could be used as topical delivery systems for treatment of dermal fungal infections since they provided efficient antifungal activity and localization of ITZ in skin membrane.
Keyword:
Microemulsion-based gel; Itraconazole; Dermal delivery; Antifungal activity
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