Formulation and Optimization of Topical Micro-Emulsion for Treatment of Contact Dermatitis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a stable, effective and safe microemulsion using combination of glucocorticoids and tretinoin. The drugs chosen were Triamcinolone which is a proven effective anti inflammatory agent and is especially useful in topical formulation. Solubility studies were carried out to screen various lipids and oils as well as Surfactants and co-surfactants . Emulsion batches were prepared using simplex lattice design .They were evaluated on various parameters such as Particle Size determination, Stability , Drug release studies etc. The results of these tests were used to obtain the optimized batch which was further validated using animal models. II. INTRODUCTION: ABOUT DISEASE:  Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythematous and pruritic skin lesions caused after a contact with a foreign substance. It is categorized as irritant or allergic.  Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in which a foreign substance comes into contact with the skin; skin changes occur with reexposure. ABOUT DRUGS :  Tretinoin is commonly used to improve wound healing, reduce wrinkles, and to protect the skin against UV radiation.  It is very widely used retinoid for the topical treatment of acne, photo-aged skin, psoriasis and skin cancer.  Glucocorticoids are powerful anti inflammoty agents. They are widely used for treatment of conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.  Along with this therapeutic effect they also produce some side effects such as  Skin Atropy and Pigmentation To prevent site specific side effects of glucocorticoid, combination of glucocorticoids with tretinoin can improve the drug efficacy and increase user acceptability and compliance by reducing its side effects.  Therefore aim of present study will be to prepare topical formulation of triamcinolone in combination with tretinoin for treatment of contact dermatitis. ABOUT FORMULATION : Micro emulsion is a novel dosage form which is transparent/ translucent , thermodynamically stable, isotropic liquid mixtures of lipid/oil , water and surfactant with combination with a co surfactant. APPLICATIONS: • Micro emulsions can increase concentration of triamcinolone and tretinoin in the skin while decreasing skin atrophy, hyper pigmentation and systemic absorption. • Micro emulsions can protect compounds like retinoic acid from oxidation, enhanced photo stability, skin transport and pharmacological activity for effective treatment of contact dermatitis • Since it is a chronic disorder which is difficult to manage and also requires usage of topical treatments multiple times a day while patients experience severe itching, the treatment can be made more convenient and efficient using micro emulsion. • A combination of suitable and active oils as well as therapeutic drugs would result a better treatment and better effect. • It helps patients to be more comfortable and confident with their own body. Hence, the psychosocial problem could be overcome ADVANTAGES: • The results of this study will emphasize the potential of topical drug delivery system for enhancing the treatment efficacy while reducing its side effects. • It would increase patient compliance as it makes treatment more convenient and efficient