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Development of ciclopirox nail lacquer with enhanced permeation and retention

Raj Kumar Thapa1, Ju Yeon Choi1, Toe Gyung Go1

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, 214-1 Dae-dong, Gyeongsan, 712-749, South Korea.

Archives of Pharmacal Research
|June 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study developed a new nail lacquer to improve ciclopirox penetration for treating fungal nail infections (onychomycosis). The enhanced formulation showed better ciclopirox retention in nails compared to existing products.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Dermatology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is a common fungal nail infection, particularly affecting athletes and the elderly.
  • Topical ciclopirox is approved for onychomycosis treatment but suffers from poor nail penetration.
  • Enhanced drug delivery is crucial for effective topical onychomycosis therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an improved nail lacquer formulation for enhanced ciclopirox permeation and retention.
  • To identify optimal solvents, alkalizing agents, and permeation enhancers for ciclopirox delivery.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of the new formulation against marketed products.

Main Methods:

  • Screening various solvents, alkalizing agents, and permeation enhancers.
  • Assessing ciclopirox permeation through bovine hooves.
  • Measuring ciclopirox retention in human nail clippings.
  • Comparing the developed lacquer with a marketed product.

Main Results:

  • Isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, and urea significantly improved ciclopirox permeation and retention.
  • The developed nail lacquer demonstrated higher flux rates compared to standard topical applications.
  • Enhanced retention of ciclopirox was observed in human nail clippings from the new formulation.

Conclusions:

  • The novel nail lacquer formulation effectively enhances ciclopirox permeation and retention.
  • This formulation shows potential as a more effective treatment for onychomycosis.
  • Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm efficacy in human patients.
Keywords:
CiclopiroxNail lacquerOnychomycosisPotassium hydroxideUrea

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