Formulation and Evaluation of Nystatin Loaded Niosomes

Nystatin is bacterial originated polyene antifungal agent. The aim of the study is to develop the niosomal nystatin gel for transdermal administration. Formulations were developed using thin film hydration technique. Developed formulations were characterized for particle size, shape, % entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, etc. After analyzing the results, best formulation is optimized and its zeta potential, stability was determined. Niosomal gel was prepared with optimized formulation using carbopol as gelling agent. In vitro drug release from formulated niosomal gel and marketed preparation was carried out. The niosomes appeared spherical in shape and the size range of niosomes in all formulations was found to be 278±1.4 to 431±1.2nm. Highest and least % entrapment was shown by FN3 (72.5±1.9) and FN5 (51.2±2.2) respectively. In vitro drug release of all formulations was carried out using exhaustive dialysis method. FN3 formulation was selected as an optimized formulation because of its good entrapment efficiency and drug release pattern. In vitro & Ex vivo drug release studies of niosomal gel and marketed formulation shown that niosomal gel sustains the drug release than the marketed gel. INTRODUCTION: Nystatin is bacterial originated polyene antifungal agent. Many molds and yeast infections, including candida, are sensitive to nystatin. Cutaneous, vaginal, mucosal and esophageal Candida infections usually respond well to treatment with nystatin 1 . Cryptococcus is also sensitive to nystatin. Oftenly, it is used as prophylaxis in patients who are at risk for fungal infections, such as AIDS with a low CD4 + count and patients receiving chemotherapy 2 .