Permeation Studies of Miconazole Nitrate (Mn) Gel Containing Dimethyl Sulfoxide as an Enhancer Using Franz-Type Diffusion Cell

doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v5i2.16

Abstract

Miconazole nitrate is one of the broad-spectrum antifungal compounds used to treat fungal infections where it is used as a topical and transdermal formulation. The main problem of this drug in topical treatment is its low skin penetration. One of the efforts to improve miconazole nitrate skin permeation is by the addition of enhancers such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The present study was aimed to assess the impact of various concentrations of DMSO on the in vitro release and skin permeation of miconazole from gel preparation using Franz-type Diffusion Cell. Four formulations were prepared of varying DMSO concentrations (3%, 5%, and 7%) and negative control. The evaluation of their physical characteristics, including homogeneity, organoleptic properties, spreadability, pH, viscosity and skin penetration tests were done. The permeation test was conducted in Franz-Type diffusion cell using rabbit skin for 8 hours. The results of the physical evaluation showed that the gel’s spreadability ranged from 6.14 ± 0.21 to 6.67 ± 0.16 g cm/s. The average pH of the gels ranged from 5.5 - 5.9, and the gel’s viscosity was about 6996 ± 00.00 – 6996 ± 28.07 cps. The result of the permeation test showed that each gel formula was 2.83%, 27.52%, 41.96%, and 52.76% respectively. The gel containing 7% dimethyl sulfoxide (F3) had the most significant percentage of permeation after 8 hours, 52.76%, while the negative control 2.83% permeation. Dimethyl sulfoxide improved the skin permeation profile of miconazole nitrate gel, F3 show the most excellent skin permeation profile.