Development and In-Vitro Evaluation of Azithromycin-Enriched Niosomal Gel for the Management of Eczema

Background: The goal of the current study was to create Azithromycin-loaded niosomes and conduct in vitro evaluation for topical eczema management. Eczema is a common dry skin disorder that causes inflammation and may affect people of any age, mainly in early infancy ages. Another term for dermatitis is “Derma” which refers to skin, and “dermatitis” “Tis” refers to inflammation. Both phrases are interchangeably employed. The most prevalent kind of eczema is atopic eczema, which is also often the most chronic type. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is employed to treat infection of both the lower and upper respiratory tracts. It also has antimicrobial properties that help in the treatment of skin infections. The topical appeal of AZM-loaded niosomal gel can probably reduce side effects associated with drug molecules. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate topical gel with loaded niosomes for sustained effect that could be beneficial for the treatment of eczema. Creating topical formulations increases drug absorption, diminishes side effects, and improves patient compliance. Methods: AZM-loaded niosomes were prepared by Ether injection method by using Span60 and Brij30 as a surfactant in a ratio of 2:1:1 along with the combination of Cholesterol. Results: After several optimization tests, formulation F3 was found to be the best fit for gel formulation. According to SEM analysis, the shape of the particles was almost spherical. A Zetasizer measured the mean diameter of the improved formulation and found it to be 576 nm. The entrapment efficiency of the formulations was found to be 60-89%. Next, employing Carbopol 940, which acts as the gelling agent, the improved formulation was added to a gel. An evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Azithromycin's well-known antimicrobial properties, which are crucial for managing skin infections associated with eczema, was carried out. The optimized formulation exhibited a zone of inhibition that was 3 mm smaller than that of the pure drug. In-vitro release experiments revealed 59% release for eight hours. Conclusion: In conclusion, this research successfully developed a topical Azithromycin-loaded niosomal gel, demonstrating promising results in terms of particle morphology, size, drug release profile, and antibacterial activity. The optimized formulation, characterized by its controlled release and potential for reduced side effects, represents a significant advancement in the topical treatment of eczema. Future studies should focus on further clinical evaluations and potential modifications to enhance the efficacy and patient acceptability of the formulation.