Formulation and Evaluation of antifungal emulgel loaded with Econazole nitrate for topical use

The current study was to formulate and evaluate Econazole nitrate emulgel. The main goal of this formulation was to treat fungal infection of skin. Nine emulgel formulations were prepared by emulsion gel method by using econazole nitrate, Sessame oil, Carbopol 934, surfactant and excipients. The developed formulations were assessed for their appearance, pH, spread-ability, extrudability and the release characteristics of the drug were assessed through in-vitro diffusion study by using goat membrane and Franz diffusion cell. The compatability between Drug-excipient was evaluated by FTIR while anti- fungal efficacy assessed against Aspergillus niger using agar diffusion method. All developed formulations exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics, including uniform appearance, good homogeneity, skin-compatible pH, satisfactory spread-ability, adequate extrudability, and consistent drug content. FTIR spectra confirmed the absence of significant interactions between Econazole nitrate and the formulation excipients. Among the tested formulations, F3 demonstrated the most desirable sustained drug release profile in 8 Hrs and exhibited the greatest antifungal activity, as evidenced by the largest zone of inhibition. The selected Econazole nitrate emulgel formulation showed excellent physicochemical stability, sustained drug release, and enhanced antifungal efficacy. Keywords: Econazole Nitrate, Emulgel, Anti-fungal Activity, Goat Membrane.