Microemulsion Formulation for Topical Delivery of Miconazole Nitrate

Abstract

The aim of present study was to develop micro emulsion system for topical application of miconazole to provide various advantages over conventional dosage forms. Miconazole nitrate is hydrophobic imidazole antifungal agent. Clinical studies show that it is highly effective for topical treatment of fungal infections. Micro emulsion was prepared using oleic acid as an oil phase, tween 20 as surfactant and propylene glycol as co-surfactant. In vitro characterization of micro emulsion of miconazole nitrate was done through measurement of pH, conductivity, viscosity, antifungal activity, drug release kinetics. Miconazole nitrate cream (2%) was used as reference sample for comparison of antifungal activity and release rate. The data obtained from various studies gave satisfactory results. Micro emulsion showed greater antifungal activity against Candida albicans as compared to reference sample. In vitro drug release studies were conducted for micro emulsion and reference sample using Franz diffusion cell. Faster drug release rates were observed for micro emulsion formulation than reference sample. Drug penetration from micro emulsion followed Higuchi model whereas drug release from reference formulation followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model. It was concluded that miconazole nitrate can be formulated as micro emulsion with good release and consistency.