Mupirocin Emulgel: Formulation and Evaluation for the Management of Primary and Secondary Infections in Dry Skin Conditions

Background: Dry skin is a frequent and multifaceted condition which can be associated with skin irritation, itch, patient discomfort and manifest skin disease. The most common skin conditions where dry skin may be a symptom include ichthyosis, psoriasis, and dermatitis/eczema. Primary and secondary infections can occur in these conditions.

Objective: By overcoming the demerits of ointments, creams, and lotions, the goal of the formulation of mupirocin emulgel was to improve the occlusive properties of gels and topical delivery of hydrophobic mupirocin drugs in primary and secondary infections of dry skin conditions with favorable properties, as well as to investigate the impact of the concentration of different gelling agents (carbopol 940, carbopol 934, xanthan gum) on viscosity and the drug release of prepared.

Materials and Methods: Oil, an emulsifier, a co-surfactant, and three different types of gelling agents, such as Carbopol 940, Carbopol 934, and xanthan gum, were used to make the emulgel. The physical characteristics, pH measurement, spreadability, drug content, rheological study, and in vitro drug release of each prepared emulgel were evaluated. Researchers also looked at skin sensitivity, ex vivo penetration and skin retention, antibacterial effectiveness, and stability of the mupirocin emulgel formulation.

Results: Both carbomer and xanthan gum exhibit excellent water retention and are quite effective. Excellent homogeneity, an acceptable pH, spreadability, and medication consistency were all features of newly developed emugels. The mupirocin formulation made with carbopol 934(0.8 percent w/w), which is the F4 batch, demonstrated the greatest drug release at 82.54±0.39 percent and optimal viscosity at 4117.0± 0.59 among all emulgel formulations. Drug release from all the preparations depended upon the concentration of the gelling agent used. Viscosity rises and medication release falls with increasing gelling agent concentration. The improved formulation had good antibacterial activity, was stable, didn’t irritate the skin, and exhibited improved retention in the skin.

Conclusion: Carbopol 934 gelling agents are advised for the creation and manufacturing of mupirocin emulgels for topical medication delivery.