The Bioadhesive and Rheological properties of some fluconazole gels

Abstract

We have evaluated the effect of polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG 1000) and glycerol on the bioadhesive properties of fluconazole (Flu) gels containing 2% w/w high viscosity sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Mucociliary transport rates (MTRs) were determined using the ex-vivo using frog palate to establish and confirm bioadhesion of the  preparations.. An oscillatory rheological technique was employed using a parallel plate viscometer to determine the rheological properties of the formulations. Two dyes, erythrosine and amaranth were  added to elucidate diffusional processes occurring during mucociliary transport of the gels. The results obtained indicate that high viscosity grade sodium carboxymethylcellulose (HV NaCMC) at 1.0 - 2% w/w concentration levels gave bioadhesive gels with viscoelastic properties which are affected by type and concentration of dye added to the formulation either as excipient or to assist in  the determination of MTR. Addition of glycerol and polyethyleneglycol 1000 (PEG 1000) also  affected MTR. It should be possible to optimise a Flu gel formulation containing 1.0 - 2.0% w/w HV NaCMC.

Keywords: Fluconazole gels, bioadhesion, mucocilliary transport rate, rheological properties, viscoelastic properties, effect of PEG 1000 and glycerol and dyes

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 7 No. 1 (2010)