EFFECT OF PENETRATION ENHANCERS ON IN VITRO PERMEATION OF NYSTATIN FROM TOPICAL FORMULATIONS

Nystatin is a polyene antifungal drug that is of particular interest because it exhibits remarkable action against a wide range of pathogenic and non-pathogenic yeast and fungi. Transdermal and topical delivery of drugs provide advantages over conventional oral administration. The benefit of transdermal systems includes convenience, improved patient compliance and elimination of hepatic first pass effect. The aim of this work is to formulate and evaluate topical gel containing nystatin and to improve the antifungal activity of nystatin through using different penetration enhancers namely propylene glycol (PG) 10%, polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 400, ethanol, oleic acid, eucalyptus oil, tween 80 each in concentration of 5% and dimethylformamide (DMF) 3%with objectives of prolonging its action. The formulae showing the best drug release were selected to study the effect of storage on drug content and pH measurements over a period of 3 months and finally for microbiological evaluation. Among different penetration enhancers used, propylene glycol showed the highest effect on the amount drug permeated followed by dimethylformamide.