Acitretin-Loaded Glycerosomal Cream: Physicochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation

The present study was undertaken with the aim of developing and evaluating a glycerosomal cream formulation containing Acitretin for topical drug delivery. Acitretin is a second-generation retinoid used in the treatment of psoriasis and other keratinization disorders. Due to its poor aqueous solubility and lipophilic nature, glycerosomal vesicular technology was explored to improve its topical delivery. Initially, preformulation studies of Acitretin were carried out to determine its physicochemical properties. Acitretin was found to be a yellow to pale yellow, odorless crystalline powder, freely soluble in ethanol, methanol and DMSO, with a pH of 5.7 and melting point of 228°C.