Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Microemulsion Containing Antifungal Drug Nystatin

Introduction: Traditional dosage forms are characterized by the first pass effect, variable plasma drug concentrations, high doses with low availability, and rapid release. Topical administration is the preferred method for local therapeutic agent delivery due to its ease and cost. Objective: The present study's purpose was to design and develop a topical microemulsion formulation of nystatin. Methodology: The ideal microemulsion zone was described using pseudo ternary phase diagrams created using the aqueous titration technique. The figures were made by titrating several mixes of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant with water at ambient temperature (25 °C) to identify suitable component ratios for stable microemulsion production. In vitro permeation studies were conducted on formulations F1–F3 using a Franz diffusion cell system. Result: The enhanced release profile observed in the nystatin-loaded microemulsion was attributed to optimized formulation parameters that improved drug solubilization, diffusion dynamics, and membrane permeability, thereby enhancing transdermal delivery efficiency. Antifungal efficacy was assessed with comparing the optimized microemulsion formulation against a commercially available nystatin cream. Conclusion: The developed microemulsion system exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including efficient skin penetration, high drug loading capacity, and potent antifungal performance. This innovative formulation approach that it has the potential to improve patient adherence in topical treatments.