Preparation and evaluation of topical span 60-based oleogel of voriconazole

Voriconazole (VOR) is a triazole antifungal agent; it blocks the synthesis of ergosterol, available in the market orally and intravenously, but, not without various side effects. The aim of this study is development and characterization of VOR oleogel for the topical treatment of skin fungal infection to avoid the drug's systemic side effects that are associated with oral and IV routes. The gelator Span 60 (S) was added at different concentrations to different oils (oleic OO, grapeseed GO, and sesame oil SO) to obtain the minimum gelation concentration, the prepared formulas were subjected to various evaluation tests, and the optimum formula was checked for antifungal effect, and subjected to viscosity, and texture analysis. The optimized formula, Span60 with SO 14SSO, showed 100% drug release, good antifungal activity, and acceptable transition temperature. The study of viscosity demonstrated the pseudo-plastic shear thinning behavior. A Fourier-transform infrared study showed that the drug and excipients did not significantly interact. 14SSO might be a promising topical treatment option for skin fungal infections.