Abstract

The aim of present study was to prepare and characterize ethosomes of antileprotic drug Dapsone (DAP) together with an antibiotic Cloxacillin Sodium (CLXS) which may deliver these drugs to the targeted site more efficiently than the marketed gel preparation of DAP and also overcome the problems related with oral administration of CLXS. Methodology: Nine ethosomal formulations (F1-F9) were developed by the cold method and characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), zeta potential and permeation studies. Optimized ethosomal formulation (F1) was then incorporated in Carbopol 934 for the preparation of gel by dispersion method. Gel formulations (G1-G5) were evaluated for viscosity, pH, sensitivity and spreadability. Results: Vesicular size was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be varied from 127±9.01 to 215±7.23 nm depending on the concentrations of soya lecithin and ethanol. The average percent drug entrapment efficiency of formulations ranged between 52.31% to 73.51% and 49.07% to 71.91% for DAP and CLXS respectively. It was observed that F1 and F2 formulations were having zeta potential of -25.08±1.03 mV and - 50.11±1.97 mV respectively and do not aggregate rapidly. The drug release of ethosomes ranged from 84.68% to 96.58% and 64.89% to 84.21% for DAP and CLXS respectively. Conclusion: Finally, ethosomal gel G5 demonstrated better (p < 0.05) antileprotic effect as compared to other prepared gel formulations to improve effectiveness, stability and to reduce side effects and toxicity associated with the chosen drugs in order to treat Leprosy.