Abstract

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CLOTRIMAZOLE LOADED MICROSPONGE

V. P. Munde*, J. V. Shinde and R. K. Gaikwad

ABSTRACT

Conventional drug delivery systems require periodic doses of the therapeutic agent to produce a maximum therapeutic effect. To minimize its sustainable or extended delivery is the prime aim in the era. Clotrimazole, a broad-spectrum imidazole antifungal agent is widely used to treat fungal infections. Conventional formulations of clotrimazole are intended to treat infections by effective penetration of drugs into the stratum corneum. However, drawbacks such as poor dermal bioavailability, poor penetration, very less aqueous solubility, a shorter half-life (2.5-3 hr.) and certain side effects like earthman, edema and skin irritation. So, encapsulation of Clotrimazole into microsponge would modify the release rate and also reduce side effects and variable drug levels limit the efficiency. In this study, Clotrimazole microsponge was prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion technique by using Eudragit RS100 and evaluated for % Practical yield, % Entrapment efficiency and In vitro drug release study. Drug- excipients compatibility was performed by the FTIR and DSC study. To control the delivery rate of active agents to a predetermined rate in the any conventional formulation has been one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry. Microsponge releases its active ingredient in a time mode and also in response to other stimuli (rubbing, temperature, pH, etc.). Microsponge technology offers entrapment of ingredients and is believed to contribute towards reduced side effects, improved stability, increased elegance, and enhanced formulation flexibility. Also, numerous studies have confirmed that Microsponge systems are nonirritating, Non-mutagenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. Microsponge technology is being used currently in a wide range of formulations.

Keywords: Fungal infections, Clotrimazole microsponge, formulation flexibility, fungal infections, practical application.