FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CLOTRIMAZOLE-LOADED INVASOMAL GEL FOR ENHANCED TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Clotrimazole is a widely used broad-spectrum antifungal drug; however, its poor aqueous solubility and limited skin permeation may restrict its effective topical delivery. The present study aimed to formulate and optimize Clotrimazole-loaded invasomes for enhanced topical drug delivery using the mechanical dispersion technique. Invasomes were prepared using soya lecithin, menthol, thymol and ethanol as vesicle-forming and penetration-enhancing components. Preformulation studies, including melting point determination, solubility analysis, UV spectroscopy and FTIR compatibility studies, were performed to confirm the suitability of the drug and excipients. Twenty formulations (F1–F20) were prepared and evaluated for drug content, entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, in-vitro drug release and release kinetics.