Abstract

EMULGEL: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW FOR NOVEL TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Revati B. Chaudhari*, Dhananjay M. Patil and Vinod A. Bairagi

ABSTRACT

A topical drug delivery system can be defined as the direct effect of a drug-containing drug on a skin to obtain the effect of the drug or to treat a disorder. The main drawback of the gel is the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This can be overcome with Emulgels. Emulgel is a promising drug delivery system for delivery of hydrophobic drugs. Emulgel is an emulsion that is gelled by mixing it with a gelling agent. Many advantages of gels are that there are significant restrictions on the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. Therefore, to overcome this limitation, the emulsion-based approach is being used. Emulgel is a interesting topical drug delivery system because it features a dual gel and emulsion release control system. The presence of the gel phase makes it non-greasy and provides good patient compliance. In order to understand the potential of emulgel as carrier vehicles, this review provides an overview of the ideal properties, formation, and characterization of emulsions. The use of emulgel based systems as drug dispensing vehicles is reviewed, with particular emphasis on current developments and future directions. The emulgel provides several favourable properties for its dermatological use such as greaseless, thixotropic, easy to disperse, smooth, easy to move, non-staining, soluble water, longer shelf life, transparent appearance, bio-friendly and pleasant.

Keywords: Emulgel, Hydrophobic drugs, Emulsion, Topical drug delivery system.