A Review on Solubility Enhancement of Antifungal Drugs

Fungal infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, yet the efficacy of antifungal therapies is often hindered by the poor aqueous solubility of many antifungal agents, particularly azoles. Enhancing solubility is essential for improving bioavailability and achieving effective drug concentrations at the site of infection. This review comprehensively explores contemporary formulation strategies aimed at increasing the solubility of poorly water-soluble antifungal drugs. Various techniques are discussed, including solid dispersions, cyclodextrin complexation, nanosuspensions, lipid-based systems (SLNs, liposomes, and niosomes), self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), microemulsions, salt formation, co-crystallization, and cosolvency. The article evaluates each method's mechanism, advantages, formulation considerations, and potential limitations. Emphasis is placed on the need for tailored approaches that integrate physicochemical drug properties with delivery goals to optimize antifungal efficacy and patient outcomes.