Abstract

GELLIFIED EMULSION: A NEW BORN FORMULATION FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY OF HYDROPHOBIC DRUGS

Sonaje Sumeet Purushottam*, Gondkar Sheetal Bhaskarrao, Saudagar Ravindra Bhanudas

ABSTRACT

Emulgel has emerged as promising drug delivery system for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. When gel and emulsion are used in combined form the dosage form are referred as Emulgel.Emulgel are either emulsion of oil in water or water in oil type, which is gelled by mixing it with gelling agent. Incorporation of emulsion into gel increases its stability and makes it dual release control system. The presence of gelling agent in the water phase converts a classical emulsion into an emulgel. The major objective behind this formulation is delivery of hydrophobic drugs to systemic circulation via skin. These emulgel are having major advantages on novel vesicular systems as well as on conventional systems in various aspects. The emulgel for dermatological use has several favorable properties such as being thixotropic, greaseless, easily spreadable, easily removable, emollient, non-staining, watersoluble, longer shelf life, bio-friendly, transparent and pleasing appearance.Various permeation enhancers can potentiate the effect, so emulgels can be used as better topical drug delivery systems over present systems. The use of emulgels can be extended in analgesics, antiviral and antifungal drugs.

Keywords: Emulgel, Hydrophobic drugs, Dermal delivery, Thixotropic, Penetration enhancers.