Abstract

Liposomal encapsulation is known to significantly improve the therapeutic index of a drug. In the present investigation liposomal formulations were chosen to transport clindamycin, which is considered as the most effective topical antibiotic for acne, into the skin layers. Liposomes with clindamycin phosphate were prepared using lipid film hydration method and the optimum ratio of the components was determined. The liposomes were characterized for their vesicle size, shape, encapsulation efficiency, % drug content and for in vitro skin permeation study. The results suggest that the average size of vesicles was found to be in range of 4.91-6.75 µm. Highest encapsulation efficiency (45.4%) and in vitro skin permeation (62%) was achieved with a formulation containing drug: lipid: cholesterol in the ratio of 1:1:1. Liposomal formulation of clindamycin phosphate with good skin permeation properties was incorporated into gel base and comparison of in vitro skin permeation was made with non liposomal marketed gel, both containing 1% clindamycin phosphate. Higher rate of drug release across the rat abdominal skin was found with liposomal gel (54%) than non-liposomal marketed gel (48.7%). Biological study revealed that by encapsulating clindamycin phosphate into liposomes the occurrence of Pseudomembranous colitis could be reduced significantly in comparison to plain clindamycin phosphate.