Design and Characterization of Fluconazole Loaded Elastic Liposome Based Gel for Treatment of Keratomycosis

Year 2022, Volume: 47 Issue: 2, 161 - 174, 01.08.2022

Ravika Nanda Mehak Mehak R.s. Narang Jasjeet Kaur Narang

Abstract

Fungal corneal ulcers, also known as keratomycosis, occur due to
a breach in the corneal epithelium. According to WHO, it is the
leading cause of blindness. The eye consists of a variety of different
structures having different physiological functions that make
it highly resistant to external substances, thus resulting in low
bioavailability of drugs from most of the conventional dosage forms.
To improve drug effectiveness, a series of research groups have tried
a variety of strategies. The majority of these modifications provide
some benefit over traditional dosage forms, but they have their own
set of drawbacks. To overcome the side effects of the formulations
mentioned above, Fluconazole-loaded elastic liposome-based gel was
prepared. The elastic liposomes were prepared by rotary evaporation
method using soya lecithin and sodium deoxycholate. The elastic
liposomal suspension was then incorporated into optimised gelling
agent (carbopol 934) to have sufficient contact time of the drug in
the eye. The elastic liposome-based gel was then characterized for pH,
drug content, rheological study, homogeneity and grittiness, in vitro
release study, ex vivo permeation study, toxicity study, bio adhesion
study and antifungal activity. The optimized formulation had pH
7.0 ± 0.01, drug content 98.5 ± 3.9%, viscosity 7217 ± 340 mPa.s,
in vitro release 80.5± 0.32%, ex vivo permeation 72.27±0.65
% and the bio adhesion time of the optimized formulation was
found to be significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) as compared to marketed
gel. Antifungal activity of the optimized gel was also found to be
significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) as compared to the marketed gel. The
Fluconazole-loaded elastic liposome gel was prepared successfully and
was found to be a good choice over conventional gel formulation for
the treatment of keratomycosis.
Key Words: Fungal corneal ulcers

Keywords

Fungal corneal ulcers, Fluconazole, elastic liposomal gel, antifungal activity

References

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