Abstract

Tole S. B.*, Joshi A. A., Korekar S. L., Dongare G. S. and Fawade M. M.

ABSTRACT

Gels are semisolid systems in which a liquid phase is constrained within a three dimensional polymeric matrix in which a high degree of physical cross linking has been introduced. The polymer used to prepare pharmaceutical gels include the natural gums, Tragacanth, pectin, carrageen, agar and alginic acid, synthetic and semisynthetic materials such as methyl Cellulose, Hydroxy ethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and the carbopols, which are synthetic vinyl polymers with ionizable carboxyl groups. The bulk of these semisolid preparation are applied to the skin, where they usually serve as vehicles for topically applied drugs, as emollients or as protective or occlusive dressings.