Formulation and Evaluation of Ivermectin Gel For Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis

Infestation of the head louse caused by Pediculus humanus capitis is an important public health problem worldwide. FDA has approved Ivermectin as an antilice drug in 2012. Commercially Ivermectin is available in the form of Sklice lotion in US market. Hence, in the present work an attempt was made to formulate hair gel of Ivermectin for better patient compliance and to avoid the side effects related with other formulations. The gels of 0.5% Ivermectin were prepared using different gelling agents such as carbopol 934, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M, hydroxyethyl cellulose 250 HHX. Glycerin and propylene glycol were used as a humectants having plasticizer activity. The formulations were characterized for pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release, antilice activity, skin irritation study and stability studies. Among the selected formulations, formulation containing 2% HEC 250 HHX and 15% propylene glycol showed better viscosity, spreadability, extrudability and In vitro drug release as compared to other formulations. It showed excellent antilice activity and no skin irritation was observed. It was found to be stable at 25°C/60% and 40°C/75% RH over a period of 45 days. These results suggest the feasibility of the topical gel formulation of Ivermectin for the treatment of pediculosis.