International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 14, Issue 3

Formulation and Evaluation of Nanoparticle Loaded Hydrogel Containing Antifungal Agent for the Treatment of Onychomycosis Using Factorial Design

Fiza Farheen1*, Hemant Kumar Yadav1, Abhay Raizaday2

1School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

2Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Received: 20th February, 2024; Revised: 27th March, 2024; Accepted: 15th August, 2024; Available Online: 25th September, 2024

 

ABSTRACT

SLNs are hopeful carriers for the topical delivery of antifungal drugs. This research aimed to develop a topical gel combining Efinaconazole-loaded SLNs with fluconazole to enhance the treatment of onychomycosis. The objective was to formulate a nail gel that capitalizes on the localized action and improved adherence of efinaconazole, a crucial agent in treating nail disorders like onychomycosis. The formulation utilized an alcohol-based system with specialized ingredients to ensure low surface tension and optimal wetting properties. Fluconazole, a broad-spectrum third-generation triazole antifungal, was included for its systemic and superficial antifungal activity. It works by inhibiting the formation of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes, by blocking the fungal cytochrome P-450 enzyme. The SLN-based delivery system allows for the slower release of Efinaconazole, while fluconazole diffuses more rapidly. The optimized gel formulation showed sustained drug release, with Efinaconazole releasing 32.85% of the drug by the 8th hour, compared to 74.05% for fluconazole during the same period. A stability study on the F4 formulation, which utilized Carbopol 934, was conducted according to ICH guidelines and demonstrated that the gel maintained its quality attributes, such as color, odor, homogeneity, pH, and viscosity over 6 months of testing. These results indicate that the F4 topical gel formulation is stable and suitable for long-term use.

Keywords: Onychomycosis, Antifungal agent, Efinaconazole, Fluconazole, Solid lipid nanoparticles, Antifungal gel. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology (2024); DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.14.3.24

How to cite this article: Farheen F, Yadav HK, Raizaday A. Formulation and Evaluation of Nanoparticle Loaded Hydrogel Containing Antifungal Agent for the Treatment of Onychomycosis Using Factorial Design. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2024;14(3):1415-1425.

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