Iranian J Parasitol: Vol. 6, No.3, 2011, pp.60-65 Iranian J Parasitol Open access Journal at http:// ijpa.tums.ac.ir Iranian Society of Parasitology http:// isp.tums.ac.ir Tehran University of Medical Sciences Publication http:// tums.ac.ir Original Article Leishmanicidal Activity of Films Containing Paromomycin and Gentamicin Sulfate both In Vitro and In Vivo S Tolouei1, SJ Hasheminia1, M Narimani1, A Khamesipour3, MA Shatalebi2, *SH Hejazi1 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 3Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Received 19 Jan 2011; accepted 28 July 2011) ABSTRACT Background: Based on the efficacy of paromomycin ointment and recent ongoing clinical trials of combination of paromomycin and gentamicin, a new physical form of films of the paromomy- cin and gentamicin was prepared and anti-Leishmania activities of the prepared films were as- sessed in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Paromomycin 15% and gentamicin 0.5% was incorporated in a film using ethyl cellu- lose and HPMC (Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Cellulose). In order to assess the drug release and anti- Leishmania activities of the preparation, a clone L. major parasite was established using a set of modified NNN medium without overlay liquid layer. Therapeutic effects of the films were evalu- ated using Balb/c mice model. The mice were inoculated with 2×106 L. major promastigotes (MRHO/IR/75/ER) and then when the lesions developed the mice were randomly divided in 3 groups, 10 mice per group, and treated with either perpetrated films or placebo for 28 days or left untreated. Results: Growth inhibition of cloned promastigotes showed that the films have enough releasing capacity and in vivo system, the films containing paromomycin and gentamicin was able to re- duce the lesion size and induced complete cure in 80% of the mice but relapse was seen in 60% of the cured mice and overall 50% cure rate was seen during 20 weeks period of the study. Conclusion: It seems that the prepared films might be further used in human clinical trials. Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Paromomycin, Gentamicin, Drug Film *Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 311-7922427 Email: hejazi@med.mui.ac.ir 60