FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TOPICAL GEL OF ACYCLOVIR FOR TREATMENT OF VIRAL DISEASE

Abstract

Aim: Formulation & Evaluation of Topical Gel of Acyclovir for Treatment of Viral Disease.

Material & Methods: Acyclovir gels were formulated using different polymers like Carbopol 934, Carbopol 940, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and Sodium Carboxy methyl cellulose. Different concentrations of polymer were used in the formulation of gels. All the formulations were evaluated for the various parameters.

Results & Discussion: Different formulations with use of different polymers were prepared. The amount and percentage of drug present in gel formulation using different polymers were estimated as per the procedure. The prepared gel using 1% carbopol- 934(A2) showed maximum drug content (101.72%) compared to other formulations. The spreadability of gels was determined as per the procedure. From spreadability data is observed that the formulation with 1.0% carbopol-934 showed maximum (8cm), where as the formulations with 1% carbopol-940, 3%, HPMC and Sodium CMC 3% were showed significant spreadability. 1.0 % carbopol-934 shows maximum release (74.59%). The addition of DMSO as permeation enhancer improves the drug release from gel formulation. 1.0% carbopol-940 also showed a similar release pattern, but the release was lesser. In case of HPMC and Sodium CMC gels the release was much lesser than carbopol gels. The addition of DMSO as permeation enhancer drug release was improved. Stability study for the best formulation was done as per the procedure. The gel was both physically and chemically stable at 4-5⁰C, Room temperature and 37±5⁰C.

Conclusion: From this investigation, it was concluded that formulation A2 with 1% Carbopol-934 may be the best formulation having good in vitro release profile, stability and bioavailability. Based on the results from the study further utility of the dosage form may depend on pharmacokinetic data. Forthcoming research work of antiviral activity may contribute in the challenging area.

Keywords: Acyclovir, Topical gel, Viral Disease, Skin Disease, Formulation & Development