Evaluation of chitosan based vaginal bioadhesive gel formulations for antifungal drugs

The aim of the present study was to evaluate chitosan as a vaginal mucoadhesive gel base for econazole nitrate and miconazole nitrate. To this aim, different types of chitosan with different molecular masses and viscosity properties [low molecular mass chitosan (viscosity: 20,000 mPa s), medium molecular mass chitosan (viscosity: 200,000 mPa s), high molecular mass chitosan (viscosity: 800,000 mPa s)] have been used. First, rheological studies were conducted on chitosan gels. Mechanical, syringeability and mucoadhesive properties of chitosan gels were determined. Release profiles of econazole nitrate and miconazole nitrate from chitosan gels were obtained and evaluated kinetically. In addition, anticandidal activities of formulations were determined. Finally, vaginal retention of chitosan gels in rats was evaluated by in vivo distribution studies. Based on the results, it can be concluded that gels prepared with medium molecular mass chitosan might be effectively used for different antifungal agents in the treatment of vaginal candidiosis, since it has high mucoadhesiveness, suitable mechanical and release properties with good vaginal retention.