Fighting Fungal Nail Infections: Transdermal Patches for Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis, with prevalence of approximately 50% of the world population, has generated increased interest due to effective therapy such as terbinafine and ciclopirox. It is dominated by the presence of dermatophytes, most commonly by T. rubrum, involving nail brittleness, distortion, and discoloration. Issues involving drug solubility and poor compliance with itraconazole make traditional treatments challenging. This report undertakes the formulation of itraconazole incorporated polymeric nanoparticles with Eudragit RL100 using a solvent displacement technique to enhance percutaneous drug delivery via the nail. It explains the preparation process of the nanoparticles, focusing more on their better properties of being more reactive and stable. The application of transdermal patches would hence produce a controlled drug delivery system to allow the elimination of side effects encountered in the gastrointestinal tract, thus contributing to higher patient compliance rates. The findings indicate that nanoparticleenhanced transdermal systems hold much promise in onychomycosis management, potentially overcoming the limitations of conventional therapies. As a member of the triazole class of antifungals, itraconazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes, thereby disrupting fungal growth. Standard treatment regimens often involve a pulse therapy approach or continuous daily dosing, with treatment duration typically extending from 6 to 12 weeks depending on the severity and type of onychomycosis.