Abstract

TRANSUNGUAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS-RECENT ADVANCES AND MARKETED PRODUCTS

*Sharma Sonam¹, Choudhary Santanu Roy¹, Hallan Supandeep Singh²

Abstract

Transungual drug delivery system is associated with the drug delivery through the hard keratinized nail plate to treat the diseases of nail itself in conditions like onychomycosis and nail psoriasis, this review is focusing mainly on nail lacquers which have been used as cosmetics since a long time for beautification and protection of nails. These can also be used as a drug delivery system. Medicated nail lacquers are the formulations that are used for transungual drug delivery for maximal antifungal efficacy. The factors, which affect the drug uptake and permeation of drug through the nail plate, are solute molecular size, hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity, charge, and the nature of the vehicle, followed by ways of enhancing drug transport into and through the nail plate. The film formed after application of nail lacquer on the nail surface acts as a drug depot that permits optimized and sustained diffusion across the nail and leads to continuous penetration of active principle to high tissue concentration required for its efficacy. The present review concluded that the medicated nail lacquers are the efficacious dosage forms for treating nail disorders. Finally, drug-containing nail lacquers which, like cosmetic varnish, are brushed onto the nail plates to form a film and from which drug is released and penetrates into the nail, recent advances and marketed products are reviewed.

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