Formulation, development and characterization of fosfomycin tromethamine pessaries for the treatment of vaginal infections

Background The present study investigated the formulation, development, and characterization of Fosfomycin pessaries for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections. To achieve higher local concentration and to avoid the systemic exposure of the body towards Fosfomycin, vaginal pessaries have been developed in this research work. Methodology The Fosfomycin pessaries were prepared using the hand rolling method. After the formulation of the Fosfomycin pessaries, pre-formulation studies were conducted to evaluate the drug-excipient compatibility, followed by in vivo studies. Results The pre-formulation studies using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) spectrophotometric analysis showed no significant interaction of Fosfomycin with the base and formation of Fosfomycin pessaries. Furthermore, DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) analysis confirm the formulation stability. The physicochemical analysis of Fosfomycin pessaries, including liquefaction time and breaking force, showed the formulation within the pharmacopeia standard range. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and in vitro release studies showed that Fosfomycin pessaries, in contrast to the Fosfomycin suspension, exhibited higher elimination time, higher absorption rate, and area under the curve. The antibacterial results of the Fosfomycin pessaries showed significant activity against E. coli using in vitro and in vivo studies. Conclusion The in vitro and in vivo results revealed that Fosfomycin pessaries have improved pharmacokinetics and increased antibacterial activity.