In contrast HSM-4 showed very minute irritation may be due to encapsulation of STZL by ME in HSM.
4.7. Stability study
Optimized HSM exhibited transparency, clarity and no drug precipitation or color change when it was subjected to stability study at 5 ± 3◦C, 25 ± 2◦C and 40 ± 2◦C for 6 months.
The organoleptic features like gel viscosity, gel strength, physical appearance were also observed and no significant change was found in these characters.
The centrifuge tests showed that all formulations had good physical stability.
The o/w structure of HSM and suitable pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 provided a suitable circumstance for avoiding the hydrolysis of drug.
4.8. Anti-fungal study
The anti-fungal efficacy of the developed HSM-4 was compared with commercial formulations (onabet).
Developed HSM-4 was found to be more effective anti-fungal activity in compare to commercial cream (Fig. 3a and b). The average zone of Fig. 3. (a) In vitro antifungal of study of optimized Hydrogel of sertaconazole microemulsion gel (HSM-4) in Candida albicans.
(b) In vitro antifungal of study of Commercial cream in Candida albicans