This investigation was performed with an objective to improve the bioavailability and stability of azithromycin by formulating as liposomes and using it for topical delivery of azithromycin. Drug loaded liposomes were prepared by a modified ethanol injection method using soy lecithin (20, 40, 60 mg/ml) and cholesterol (2 & 4 mg/ml) as the lipids require to prepared the liposomes and maintain its stability. The particle size of the formulations ranged from 2.29 ± 6.48 to 2.65 ± 6.48 µm and the entrapment efficiency ranged from 27.35 to 62.18 %. Formulations AL4, AL5 and AL6 were found to exhibit slightly lower drug release throughout the study period. The maximum release was obtained in AL3 (84%) while the lowest was found in AL4 (57%). No significant change in particle size was observed over the three month storage duration suggesting that the formulations were stable at the storage conditions. The liposomal formulations loaded with Azithromycin were able to exhibit comparable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the disc diffusion assay, as measured using the zone of inhibition.

Liposome, Azithromycin, Antibacterial, Soy Lecithin, Topical, Ethanol-injection

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