Formulation and Evaluation of Film Forming Gel Containing Ayclovir Niosomes

Acyclovir is anti-viral drug used for treatment of various viral skin infection. In the present study film forming gel loaded with acyclovir Niosome was formulated. Acyclovir being BCS class 3 drug has less permeability that’s the reason to formulate drug Niosome. The Niosome are prepared by thin film hydration method using cholesterol and varying concentration of surfactant span 60(1:1, 1:2, 1:3). The solvent used here is chloroform. The evaluation tests for Niosome like Particle size analysis, In-vitro permeation study, and entrapment efficacy are performed. Film-forming gel was prepared by using pH sensitive gelling agent like Carbopol. PVP and PVA as film forming agents, the triethanolamine is used for neutralization. Various evaluation tests are performed. Among Niosome formulation the F1(1:1) was found to be best contributing to optimum vesicles size of 824nm, highest in vitro permeation of 86.16±0.45% after 8hr and satisfactory entrapment of drug. Gel was also subjected to physical examination, drying time, pH, Spreadability, extrudability, film thickness, In-vitro release profile evaluation parameter. The gel shown satisfactory physical properties, In-vitro permeation after 6hr was found to be 57.19±0.26%, drying time of the film also aids in patient compliance. So the Niosome prepared by using the acyclovir, cholesterol, span 60(1:1:1) gave best results and gel prepared by Carbopol 934 as gelling agent with PVP and PVA as film formers produced expected outcome.