Preparation and Characterisation of Natamycin: γ-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex and its Evaluation in Vaginal Mucoadhesive Formulations

Novel formulations of vaginal bioadhesive tablets were prepared where the natamycin was complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (NT-γCyD) to increase the solubility and stability of NT in aqueous solutions and reduce the side effects of the drug without decreasing antimycotic activity. Favourable interactions between the NT and γCyD and formation of the 1:1 inclusion complex were observed. The MIC90 of both NT alone and NT-γCyD complexes were below 0.0313 µg mL−1, suggesting that complexation with γCyD has effectively increased the antimycotic activity of NT, thus indicating the clinical usefulness of NT-γCyD complexes. The sustained drug release of NT was achieved to over 8 h periods by altering the polymer component of formulations which was responsible for differences in water absorption and erosion behaviour of the tablets. Bioadhesion studies have clearly indicated that enhancement of mucoadhesion was achieved by inclusion of Carbopol®934P and by tailoring the ratio of Carbopol®934P in the formulation, a high mucoadhesion to vaginal mucosa can be achieved. Hence, the formation of complex between NT and γCyD and effective combination with polymers attain a bioadhesive and sustained release formulation of NT suitable for vaginal delivery and the effective treatment of Candida infections.