Comparison of different water/oil microemulsions containing diclofenac sodium: Preparation, characterization, release rate, and skin irritation studies

The aim of the present study was to make a comparison of the in vitro release rate of diclofenac sodium (DS) from microemulsion (M) vehicles containing soybean oil, nonionic surfactants (Brij 58 and Span 80), and different alcohols (ethanol [E], isopropyl alcohol [I], and propanol [P]) as cosurfactant. The optimum surfactant:cosurfactant (S:CoS) weight ratios and microemulsion areas were detected by the aid of phase diagrams. Three microemulsion formulations were selected, and their physicochemical properties were examined for the pH, viscosity, and conductivity. According to the release rate of DS, M prepared with P showed the significantly highest flux value (0.059±0.018 mg/cm2/h) among all formulations (P<.05). The conductivity results showed that DS-loaded microemulsions have higher conductivity values (18.8–20.2 microsiemens/cm) than unloaded formulations (16.9–17.9 microsiemens/cm), and loading DS into the formulation had no negative effect on system stability. Moreover, viscosity measurements were examined as a function of shear rate, and Newtonian fluid characterization was observed for each microemulsion system. All formulations had appropriate observed pH values varying from 6.70 to 6.85 for topical application. A skin irritation study was performed with microemulsions on human volunteers, and no visible reaction was observed with any of the formulations. In conclusion, M prepared with P may be a more appropriate formulation than the other 2 formulations studied as drug carrier for topical application

Development and Evaluation of Ethyl Cellulose-Based Transdermal Films of Furosemide for Improved In Vitro Skin Permeation

Transdermal films of the furosemide were developed employing ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as film formers. The effect of binary mixture of polymers and penetration enhancers on physicochemical parameters including thickness, moisture content, moisture uptake, drug content, drug–polymer interaction, and in vitro permeation was evaluated. In vitro permeation study was conducted using human cadaver skin as penetration barrier in modified Keshary–Chein diffusion cell. In vitro skin permeation study showed that binary mixture, ethyl cellulose (EC)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), at 8.5:1.5 ratio provided highest flux and also penetration enhancers further enhanced the permeation of drug, while propylene glycol showing higher enhancing effect compared to dimethyl sulfoxide and isopropyl myristate. Different kinetic models, used to interpret the release kinetics and mechanism, indicated that release from all formulations followed apparent zero-order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion transport except formulation without HPMC which followed Fickian diffusion transport. Stability studies conducted as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines did not show any degradation of drug. Based on the above observations, it can be reasonably concluded that blend of EC–HPMC polymers and propylene glycol are better suited for the development of transdermal delivery system of furosemide

Formulation, Characterization, and Clinical Evaluation of Microemulsion Containing Clotrimazole for Topical Delivery

The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate microemulsion systems for topical delivery of clotrimazole (CTM). The solubility of CTM in various oils was determined to select the oil phase of the microemulsion systems. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the area of microemulsion existence. Five CTM microemulsion formulations (M1–M5) were prepared and evaluated for their thermodynamic stability, pH, refractive index, droplet size, viscosity, and in vitro release across cellulose membrane. Among the prepared microemulsion formulations, M3 (lemon oil/Tween 80/n-butanol/water) and M4 (isopropyl myristate/Tween 80/n-butanol/water) microemulsion systems were found to be promising according to their physical properties and CTM cumulative percentage release. Gel form of M3 and M4 were prepared using 1% Carbopol 940 as the hydrogel matrix. Both formulations were evaluated in the liquid and gel forms for drug retention in the skin in comparison to the marketed CTM topical cream and their stability examined after storage at 40°C for 6 months. Microemulsion formulations achieved significantly higher skin retention for CTM over the CTM cream. Stability studies showed that M4 preparations were more stable than M3. The in vitro anti-fungal activity of M4 against Candida albicans was higher than that of the conventional cream. Moreover, clinical evaluation proved the efficacy and tolerability of this preparation in the treatment of various topical fungal infections