Abstract

EMULGEL: A REVIEW

S. Shanitha*, S. S. Anjitha, Deepa Manohar. R. Prof. (Dr). Shaiju S. Dharan and S. Mathan

ABSTRACT

Topical drug delivery allows for direct access to the skin as a target organ for diagnosis and treatment without the risk of first-pass metabolism. Emulgel is a novel technology that is widely used to treat fungal infections, acne, psoriasis, and other topical disorders. Emulgel is an o/w or w/o emulsion that has been gelled by mixing it with a gelling agent such as Carbopol, HPMC, etc. The primary goal of emulgel is to deliver hydrophobic drugs to the systemic circulation via the skin. It has the advantage of a dual-release control system, which includes emulsion and gel. Emulgel for dermatological use has several advantageous properties, including being thixotropic, greaseless, easily spreadable, easily removable, emollient, non- staining, water-soluble, having a longer shelf life, being bio-friendly, clear, and appealing in appearance. Topical drug delivery allows for direct access to the skin as a target organ for diagnosis and treatment without the need for invasive procedures. Novel polymers that can function as emulsifiers and thickeners are used because their gelling capacity produces stable emulsions and creams by decreasing surface and interfacial tension while increasing aqueous phase viscosity. Multiple permeation enhancers can potentiate the effect.

Keywords: Emulgel; hydrophobic drugs; Topical drug delivery; emulsion; gelling agent.