European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EMULGEL: A REVIEW FOR NOVEL TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Vijayanta D. Dhawas*, Dr Jagdish R. Baheti and Ashwini R. Ingole

ABSTRACT

Topical drug delivery system can be defined as a direct effect of drug containing medication to the skin to get the effect of drug or to cure disorders. Major disadvantage of gel is the delivery of hydrophobic drug. This can be overcome by Emulgels. Emulgel is the promising drug delivery system for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. Emulgel is an emulsion which is gelled by mixing it with gelling agents. Many advantages of gels have the major limitation of delivery of hydrophobic drugs. Hence, to overcome this limitation, the emulsion based approach is being used. Emulgel is an interesting topical drug delivery system as it has dual release control system, i.e., gel and emulsion. Due to nongreasy because of the presence of gel phase which favors good patient compliance. In order to understand the potential of emulgel as delivery vehicles, this review gives an overview of the ideal properties, formation, and characterization of emulgels. The use of emulgel based systems as drug delivery vehicles is reviewed, with particular emphasis being placed on recent developments and future directions. The emulgel provide several favourable properties for its dermatological use such as greaseless, thixotropic, easily spreadable, emollient, easily removable, non-staining, water soluble, longer shelf life, transparent, bio-friendly and pleasing appearance.

Keywords: Emulgel; Topical drug delivery system; Emulsion.