EMULGEL, TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

D. Rama Brahma Reddy*, K. Malleswari, A. Dileep Reddy, A. Mounika and K. Srilakshmi

ABSTRACT

Topical drug delivery has been used from time for the treatment of local skin disorders. Medications applied to the skin for their local action include antiseptics, antifungal agents, skin emollients, and protectants. When gel and emulsion is used in combined form the dosage form is termed as emulgel. Emulgels have appeared as one of the most advanced topical delivery systems as it has dual release control system i.e., gel and emulsion. Despite of many advantages of gels, a major limitation is in the difficulty in delivery of hydrophobic medications. So, to overcome this limitation an emulsion based approach is being used so that even a hydrophobic therapeutic moiety can be effectively incorporated and delivered through gels. 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. Emulgels 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: Emulgel, Topical Drug Delivery.