Prospective Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Enhanced Intra- and Transdermal Delivery of Antifungal Drugs

Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2020;33(5):261-269. doi: 10.1159/000511038. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Abstract

Topical therapy of superficial fungal infections allows the prevention of systemic side effects and provides drug targeting at the site of disease. However, an appropriate drug concentration in these sites should be provided to ensure the efficacy of such local treatment. The enhancement of intra- and transdermal penetration and accumulation of antifungal drugs is an important aspect here. The present overview is focused on novel nano-based formulations served to improve antimycotic penetration through the skin. Furthermore, it summarizes various approaches towards the stimulation of drug penetration through and into the stratum corneum and hair follicles, which are considered to be promising for the future improvement of superficial antifungal therapy as providing the drug localization and prolonged storage property at the targeted area.

Keywords: Antifungal agents; Antimycotics; Dermatophytes; Transdermal drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antifungal Agents / metabolism
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Carriers / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends
  • Humans
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotechnology / trends
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin Absorption / drug effects*
  • Skin Absorption / physiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Drug Carriers