Propranolol nanoemulgel: Preparation, in-vitro and ex-vivo characterization for a potential local hemangioma therapy

A lack of safe and effective topical alternatives to oral propranolol HCl (PHCl) hampers optimal management of infantile hemangioma (IH), particularly in complex cases with severe side effects or treatment failures. This study aimed to develop a nanoemulsion gel (NEG) for topical PHCl delivery. A meticulously formulated nanoemulsion (NE) encapsulated with clove oil, Tween 20, and polyethylene glycol 400 emerged as the standout candidate (NE3) due to its exceptional stability, resilience, and favorable drug loading. NE3 exhibited a remarkable globule size of 14.57 nm, a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.282, and a stabilizing zeta potential of −19.89 mV. The subsequent formulation of PHCl-NEG displayed desired rheological and spreadability properties for topical application. Ex-vivo skin retention and permeation studies revealed effective PHCl deposition within the dermal layer with minimal systemic exposure. This promising approach offers a potential alternative to oral PHCl, potentially mitigating severe side effects and improving outcomes in complex IH cases.