Formulationand Evaluation of Fluconazole-loaded Liposomal Shampoo for Topical Drug Delivery.

AbstractFungal scalp infections are common dermatological disorders that often require prolongedantifungal therapy. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a fluconazole-loadedliposomal shampoo for enhanced topical delivery and improved treatment of fungal scalpinfections. Liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method with varyingconcentrations of soya lecithin and cholesterol and subsequently incorporated into a shampoobase. Nine formulations (B1–B9) were prepared and evaluated for particle size, zetapotential, entrapment efficiency, pH, viscosity, drug content, foamability, in vitro drugdiffusion, antifungal activity, and stability. Among all formulations, batch B6 was identifiedas the optimized formulation, exhibiting a particle size of 147.01 nm, polydispersity index of0.137, zeta potential of −11.7 mV, entrapment efficiency of 96.1%, drug content of 83%, andcumulative drug release of 87% within 30 minutes. The formulation showed satisfactoryfoamability (84.52%), pH (6.3), viscosity (1195 cps), and significant antifungal activityagainst Candida albicans with a zone of inhibition of 19 ± 0.5 mm. Stability studiesdemonstrated that the formulation remained physically and chemically stable over a 30-dayperiod. The findings indicate that fluconazole-loaded liposomal shampoo is a promisingtopical drug delivery system for effective management of fungal scalp infections, providingenhanced drug penetration, sustained release, and improved patient compliance.