Abstract

THE ROLE OF EXCIPIENTS IN ENHANCING DRUG DELIVERY AND STABILITY: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Shweta Ugale* and Kaveri M. Nannor

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Abstract

Excipients play a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, significantly impacting drug delivery and stability. These inactive substances, while not providing therapeutic effects, are essential for the formulation, delivery, and overall efficacy of medications. They enhance the stability, bioavailability, and patient acceptability of drugs, making them indispensable in pharmaceutical science. This review explores the significance of excipients in drug formulations, focusing on their roles in drug delivery and stability, and synthesizes key findings from recent literature.Excipients serve multiple functions, including acting as fillers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, and preservatives. These roles ensure the drug's physical and chemical stability, control the release rate of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and facilitate accurate dosing. In drug delivery, excipients are pivotal in designing dosage forms that enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, enable targeted delivery, and improve patient compliance through modified-release formulations.Stability is another critical aspect influenced by excipients. They help protect APIs from degradation caused by environmental factors such as moisture, light, and temperature. The choice of excipients can significantly affect the shelf life and efficacy of a drug product. For instance, antioxidants prevent oxidative degradation, while buffers maintain the pH to ensure chemical stability. The literature reviewed highlights the growing interest in the development of multifunctional excipients and the use of novel materials such as nanoparticles and polymer-based excipients. These advancements aim to further improve drug delivery systems' efficiency and stability. Studies also emphasize the need for a thorough understanding of the physicochemical interactions between APIs and excipients to optimize formulations.In conclusion, excipients are vital components in drug formulation, impacting both delivery and stability. Ongoing research and innovation in excipient technology are crucial for developing more effective and stable pharmaceutical products. The findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate excipients to ensure the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medications.

Keywords: Excipients, Drug Delivery, Stability, Bioavailability, Multifunctional Excipients, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Therapeutic Efficacy.