Enhancement of Dermal Delivery of Finasteride Using Microemulsion Systems

The study aimed to enhance the dermal delivery of finasteride, a drug used for treating hair loss and acne, by formulating microemulsions (MEs). The MEs were prepared using a pseudo-ternary phase diagram method and characterized for their physicochemical properties. The results showed that the mean droplet size of the MEs ranged from 5-17 nm, with a pH of 5.1-5.7 and viscosity between 86.4-209.6 cps. The drug release profile indicated that 49.510% of finasteride was released over 24 hours. The MEs significantly increased the flux and permeability coefficient of finasteride through rat skin, and the formulations remained stable with 99.9% finasteride after six months of storage. The study concluded that changes in ME composition could alter their properties and permeability, ultimately enhancing skin delivery of finasteride.