Formulation and Evaluation of a Novel Itraconazole-Clotrimazole Topical Emulgel for the Treatment of Sporotrichosis

Abstract

In recent years, the development of new pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of sporotrichosis has become a relevant research field. In this work, we aimed to develop an emulgel containing itraconazole and clotrimazole to ensure therapeutic effectiveness against Sporothrix brasiliensis. The topical use of a formulation that combines both drugs represents an interesting option for the complementary treatment of sporotrichosis. The emulgel formulation was prepared and evaluated for its zeta potential, viscosity, in vitro antifungal activity and stability at different storage conditions. The results showed that the newly developed emulgel displayed promising physicochemical characteristics, as well as a good in vitro inhibitory activity against S. brasiliensis yeasts. The results obtained in this work suggest that the emulgel containing itraconazole and clotrimazole might highly be efficient and a complementary therapy to oral administration in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Keywords: Emulgel; clotrimazole; itraconazole; sporotrichosis; topical drug delivery systems; viscosity..