FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TOPICAL PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE GEL FOR INFANTILE HAEMANGOMIA

Propranolol hydrochloride, a non-selective beta-blocker, has emerged as a first-line treatment for infantile hemangioma due to its vasoconstrictive, anti-antigenic, and pro-apoptotic effects on endothelial cells. This research focuses on the development of topical gel, for the localized treatment of infantile hemangioma, aiming to reduce systemic side effects while enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The formulations were prepared using suitable gelling agents and emulsifying components. Several physicochemical tests were conducted, including spreading ability, viscosity, moisture content, and moisture uptake, to evaluate the formulations’ properties. The emulgel demonstrated superior results in terms of spread ability and a balanced viscosity that facilitated both ease of application and prolonged contact with the skin. Moisture content and moisture uptake studies suggested that the emulgel maintained skin hydration better than the aqueous gel. In conclusion, the emulgel exhibited enhanced physicochemical characteristics, making it a more promising option for the topical treatment of infantile hemangioma compared to the aqueous gel. Further clinical evaluations may solidify its potential as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative.