Formulation and Evaluation of Hydrogels containing Liposomes Entrapped with Antifungal Agent

The main aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate prolonged release Fluconazole liposomal gel for the transdermal delivery. Fluconazole, α-(2.4-diflurofenil)-α-(1H-triazole-1-methyl)-1H-1, 2, 4-triazole-1-ethanol, is a class of antifungal of triazole. It shows the action against species of Candida sp., and it is specified in cases of or pharyngeal candidiasis, esophageal, vaginal, and deep infection.

Fluconazole liposomal gel was prepared by thin film hydration method using phosphatidyl choline and cholesterol. Liposomes were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size, and surface charge. Liposomes were then dispersed into a Carbopol gel base to form liposomal gel and evaluated for drug content, pH, spreadability, viscosity and in-vitro drug release.

The results indicated that concentration of cholesterol in the formulations affected the particle size and entrapment efficiency. When the concentration of cholesterol increased particle size was also increased but decrease in entrapment efficiency. The viscosity of Fluconazole liposomal gel decreases with increasing rate of shear. Hence it was showed that with non-Newtonian flow. In-vitro diffusion studies were carried out using cellophane membrane, results showed that liposomal gel formulation F1 (91.36%) showed highest cumulative percent of drug release and formulation F8 (76.98%) showed lowest cumulative percent of drug release.

Therefore, Fluconazole liposomal gel sustained the drug release for the longer duration, hence decreases the number of application of drugs and also improves patient compliance.