FORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF MUCO-ADHESIVE VAGINAL FILMS OF TIOCONAZOLE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Vaginal candidiasis is considered a frequent opportunistic mucosal infection and the second most common cause of vaginitis after bacterial vaginosis. In this work, different vaginal films based on different concentrations of polymer chitosan, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose containing tioconazole, were developed and thoroughly characterized to improve the conventional therapeutics of vaginal candidiasis. Mechanical properties, swelling, adhesiveness and antifungal activity were evaluated. The purity of drug was analyzed by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) a nd Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Films showed homogeneous surfaces and presented similar mechanical properties and adhesiveness. Time-kill studies displayed that films were active against Candida albicans and does not cause any harm to natural vaginal flora i.e. Lactobacilli Acidophilus. The system based on 2% chitosan and 1% hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose with 20% PEG 400 as plasticizer presented fast antimicrobial activity as well as the lowest swelling these indicates that films based on chitosan and hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose could be a promising alternative dosage form for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.