Abstract

EMULGEL: A MODERN TOOL FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Mayuresh R. Redkar*, Dr. Sachinkumar V. Patil and Tushar G. Rukari

Abstract

Topical drug delivery is most widely employed for the local dermatological action, but now a days new techniques are also utilized to enhancing its systemic effect. They are generally adopted for the purpose as antiseptics, antifungal agents, skin emollients, and protective. The activity of topical preparation reveal the various factors as drug solubility, contact time to skin, its lipophilicity, its permeability. Gels are a quite newer class of dosage form formulated by entrapment of large amounts of aqueous or hydro-alcoholic liquid with in the network of colloidal solid particles. Gel formulations generally provide faster drug release as compared to conventional topical drug delivery formulations. In spite of many advantages of gels, a major limitation is in the difficulty in delivery of hydrophobic drugs. So to overcome these limitations, emulgels are prepared. When gels and emulsions are used in combined form, the dosage forms are known as Emulgels. Emulsions have a certain degree of elegance and they are easily washed off whenever desired. Emulgels have numerous advantages in the area of dermatology such as being thixotropic, greaseless, easily spreadable, easily removable, emollient, nonstaining, long shelf life, bio-friendly, transparent and pleasing appearance. Emulgel are being used for the delivery of analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-acne drugs and various cosmetic formulations with still wide range to explore.

Keywords: Topical Drug Delivery, Emulgel, Gel, Emulsion.