Evaluation of topical econazole nitrate formulations with potential for treating Raynaud’s phenomenon

The purpose of this work was to design and characterize a topical formulation of econazole nitrate (EN) with potential for treating Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP). Four topical dosage forms (F1_topical solution, F2_HPMC or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose dispersion, F3_VersaBase^® cream, and F4_{_}Lipoderm^® Activemax™ Cream) containing 3% w/w EN were prepared and characterized for drug content, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug crystallinity, stability, and in vitro permeation using Franz cells across pig ear skin, and results were compared to the 1% marketed EN cream. All four formulations had acceptable physical and visual characteristics required for topical application, with 3% w/w EN. The order of amount of drug permeated from highest to lowest was F2 (10.27%) > F4 (2.47%) > F1 (2.28%) > F3 (1.47%) > marketed formulation (0.22%). Formulation F2 showed better penetration of the drug into the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis layers. The drug concentration in the stratum corneum and epidermis was approximately 10–20 times higher with F2 compared to the marketed formulation. All formulations were found to be stable for up to 6 months. All four EN formulations were found to be better than the 1% marketed cream. Formulation F2_{_}HPMC dispersion could be further explored as a treatment option for RP.