Formulation Development and Characterization of Topical Itraconazole Microemulsion-Organogels

This study aimed to formulate itraconazole (ITZ) in the form of microemulsion-organogels (MOGs) using Tween80 and Span80 as nonionic surfactant blend. The investigated natural oils were rice bran oil (RBO) and palm oil (PO). The studied cosolvent was propylene glycol (PG). The pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed by aqueous titration method to determine microemulsion (ME) region. ITZ solubility in each component and in MEs was measured. MOGs were prepared by mixing fumed silica into the selected MEs and then evaluated for physical properties and chemical stability. It was found that both oils provided quite similar ME formation; however, RBO dissolved ITZ better than PO. PG could enhance ME formation. MEs could increase ITZ solubility compared to each component. ITZ-MOGs composed of 0.1% w/w ITZ as an active, 1:1 Tween80: Span80 as surfactant mixture, RBO as an oil phase, 1:1 water: PG as an aqueous phase, and fumed silica as a gelling agent could be prepared. An obtained formulation (ITZ-RMOG-3) was physically desirable and chemically stable at room temperature for 5 weeks.