Preparation and evaluation of metronidazole containing hydrogel formulation

There are two main difficulties encountered in vaginal drug administration. The first is the limited contact time caused by physiological conditions due to the protective mechanisms of the vagina. The second challenge is patient compliance. Conventional vaginal dosage forms such as ointments and inserts cause discomfort to patients. In this study, hydrogel formulations containing metronidazole were prepared and evaluated for use in the treatment of Bacterial vaginosis. Hydrogels containing metronidazole were prepared using natural polymers such as hydroxyethyl cellulose and sodium alginate. It is thought that the fact that these polymers also have mucoadhesive properties will increase the effectiveness of the treatment by prolonging the residence time of the prepared hydrogels in the vagina. In vitro characterization studies such as determination of rheological properties, pH measurement, spreadability, active substance quantification, dissolution rate, determination of mechanical properties and stability were carried out in the prepared hydrogel formulations. As a result; it has been seen that hydrogel formulations containing metronidazole can be evaluated as an effective dosage form for vaginal administration in the treatment of Bacterial vaginosis. Keywords: Bacterial Vaginosis, Hydrogel, Metronidazole, Vaginal Delivery