Development of novel microemulsion-based topical formulations of acyclovir for the treatment of cutaneous herpetic infections

The present investigation aims at developing microemulsion-based formulations for topical delivery of acyclovir. Various microemulsions were developed using isopropyl myristate/Captex 355/Labrafac as an oil phase, Tween 20 as surfactant, Span 20 as cosurfactant, and water/dimethylsulfoxide (1:3) as an aqueous phase. Transcutol, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil were used as permeation enhancers. In vitro permeation studies through laca mice skin were performed using Franz diffusion cells. The optimum formulation containing 2.5% Transcutol as the penetration enhancer showed 1.7-fold enhancement in flux and permeation coefficient as compared to marketed cream and ointment formulation. In vivo antiviral studies were performed in female Balb/c mice against induced herpes simplex virus I infection. A single application of microemulsion formulation containing 2.5% Transcutol given 24 h post-injection resulted in complete suppression of development of herpetic skin lesions.