DEVELOPMENT OF pH-INDEPENDENT MUCOADHESIVE PELLETS FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS

Objective: The present investigation aims to develop pH-independent mucoadhesive pellets using the extrusion-spheronization procedure and the inter-polyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) of Chitosan-Carbopol 71G. Miconazole was used as a representative drug in this study. Materials and Method: It was found that the composition of the formulation impacts the extrusion of the prepared dough mass. The generation of pellets within a narrow size range was also studied as a function of spheronization speed and time. The precipitation method was utilized to create IPEC. Compatibility between the drug and the additives was confirmed through FT-IR and DSC testing. Results: The MP3 formulation demonstrated consistent swelling across a wide pH range, without any abrupt alterations in swelling at the pH study points of 4.5 or 7. Evidence from in-vivo X-ray scans indicated that the pellets remained intact in the vaginal canal for an approximate duration of 8 hours. Short-term stability studies of the formulation affirmed its consistency throughout the investigation. Conclusion: The study showed that a Chitosan-Carbopol 71G interpolymer complex can function as a pH-independent drug delivery system for the sustained release of miconazole nitrate. This makes it beneficial for treating candidiasis.