Vaishali Potnis

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.

The objective of this study was to develop self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) to enhance the solubility of the poorly water-soluble drug Orlistat. Orlistat is class II molecule according to BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System), having low solubility and low permeability. The rate and extent of absorption of class II compounds is highly dependent on the performance of the formulated product. These drugs can be successfully formulated for oral administration, but care needs to be taken with formulation design to ensure consistent bioavailability. Solubility of Orlistat was evaluated in various nonaqueous carriers that included oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the self-microemulsification region. Self microemulsifying formulations were prepared using mixtures of oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants in various proportions. The self microemulsification properties, droplet size and thermodynamic stability of these formulations were studied upon dilution with water. The optimized liquid SMEDDS formulation was converted into free flowing powder by adsorbing onto a solid carrier for encapsulation. The dissolution characteristics of solid intermediates of SMEDDS filled into hard gelatin capsules were investigated and compared with pure drug and commercial formulation. The results indicated that solid intermediates showed the rate and extent of drug dissolution for solid intermediates were significantly higher than commercial formulation. The results of the study demonstrated the potential use of SMEDDS as a means of improving solubility, dissolution and concomitantly the bioavailability.