FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ITRACONAZOLE LOADED TRANSFEROSOMAL GEL FOR IMPROVED SKIN PERMEATION

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V. Anusha , Sama Juveria, Sameera Firdous, Sneha Sharma, Sumaiya Begum, Motike Supriya

Abstract: Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug widely used in the treatment of various fungal infections. However, its poor aqueous solubility and limited skin permeation can reduce its therapeutic effectiveness when administered through conventional dosage forms. Transferosomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method using soya lecithin, cholesterol, and Span 80, and subsequently incorporated into Carbopol 940 gel. The prepared formulations were evaluated for vesicle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), pH, viscosity, in vitro drug release, and stability studies. The prepared transferosomes exhibited particle sizes ranging from 112 to 137 nm and zeta potential values ranging from −19 to −30 mV, indicating good vesicular stability. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of spherical and uniformly distributed vesicles without aggregation. Among all formulations, F3 was found to be the optimized formulation with a particle size of 112 nm, zeta potential of −30 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 85.78%. The transferosomal gel showed suitable pH and viscosity for topical application. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a maximum cumulative drug release of 98.84% from formulation F3 within 8 hours. Stability studies carried out for three months under different storage conditions revealed no significant changes in physical appearance or drug release characteristics, confirming the stability of the formulation. The results indicate that Itraconazole-loaded transferosomal gel is a promising topical drug delivery system capable of improving drug release, stability, and skin permeation. The developed formulation may offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of fungal infections.

Itraconazole, Transferosomes, Transferosomal Gel, Skin Permeation, Controlled Release, Transdermal Drug Delivery.