Abstract

Anusha*, Bhavyashree T., Kishnananda Kamath K. and Shabaraya A. R.

ABSTRACT

Topical drug delivery is a potential route to deliver the drugs that produce few side effects when compared with any other dosage form. There are wide range of conventional dosage forms for topical applications such as ointments, creams, gels, but they show variation in drug bioavailability and are associated with other limitation as gels are limited to deliver the hydrophilic drugs. New approach in the field of topical drug delivery is introduced that is microemulsion based hydrogel (MBH) which deliver the hydrophilic and lipophilic drug that can take advantage of gel forming property and rate can be controlled. Microemulsion - based approach is used, so that even the hydrophobic therapeutic moiety can be effectively combined and delivered by hydrogels. Microemulsions are prepared using oils, surfactants and co-surfactants and incorporated in gelling agents to form a microemulsion based hydrogel (MBH). MBH with its micron-sized spheres has better penetration which directs the drug to systemic circulation and prolongs drug release and retention of dosage form on the skin, thus reducing fluctuation in concentration of drug, reducing drug toxicity and improving patient compliance by prolonging dosage application intervals. Currently, many drugs of antibacterial, anti-fungal and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) studied for topical administration by MBH formulation. MBH formulation is used to improve API deposition in the skin, this ultimately improve its therapeutic activity.