Liposomes with Metronidazole for Topical Use: The Choice of Preparation Method and Vehicle

Abstract

Liposomes containing metronidazole were prepared for the treatment of skin disorder Rosacea. To optimize the composition and size of liposomes, natural and synthetic lipids were used in three different preparation methods. Optimal liposomal preparation was incorporated into five dermal vehicles (three O/W emulsion creams and two gels) and vehicles tested for the stability (at 20 and 40 °C) during a storage period of 4 weeks. The evaluation of the vehicles was based on the comparison between the original size distribution of liposomes and liposomes in vehicles (after 4 weeks) and on the rheological behaviour. The best vehicle appears to be the Carbopol™ gel, in which the liposomal size stayed unchanged even at 40 °C during the 4 weeks period.