TLDR New micelle solutions greatly improve skin delivery of certain antifungal drugs.
The study aimed to enhance the delivery of azole antifungals to the skin by developing aqueous micelle solutions using novel block copolymers. Clotrimazole (CLZ), econazole nitrate (ECZ), and fluconazole (FLZ) were formulated into micelles, with ECZ showing the highest loading efficiency at 98.3%. The optimal ECZ-loaded micelle formulation (1.3 mg/mL; dn < 40 nm) significantly increased drug deposition in both porcine and human skin compared to a commercial cream, with over 13-fold and 7.5-fold improvements, respectively. Confocal microscopy suggested that the enhanced delivery was partly due to increased follicular penetration. The study concluded that MPEG-dihexPLA micelles substantially improve cutaneous bioavailability of ECZ, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes and the possibility of targeting hair follicles in future research.
142 citations
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January 2010 in “Journal of dermatological science” Hair follicles are promising targets for delivering drugs effectively.
211 citations
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February 2009 in “European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics” Hair follicles help absorb and store topical compounds, aiding targeted drug delivery.
127 citations
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June 2006 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics” Liposomes and niosomes improve finasteride delivery for hair loss treatment.
323 citations
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April 2006 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Only 40 nm nanoparticles can enter skin cells effectively for potential vaccine delivery.
253 citations
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June 2004 in “Journal of Controlled Release” Smaller nanoparticles improve minoxidil delivery through hair follicles.
59 citations
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January 2015 in “Nanoscale” The new micelle formulation delivers acne treatment more effectively and safely than current gels.
39 citations
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January 2019 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Ketoconazole cream is effective for skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and may help with hair loss and other skin issues, with generally mild side effects.
3 citations
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January 2023 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results” The emulgel with 11.5% oil and 1.75% gelling agent effectively delivers fluconazole topically with improved spreadability and stability.
113 citations
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August 2016 in “Mycopathologia” New topical antifungals and delivery systems are improving treatment for fungal skin infections, but patient education and prevention are key.
Chemotherapy can cause skin issues and hair loss, and this guide explains how to manage them.
