Review On Topical Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Topical drug delivery is a broad-based method used for the topical administration of drug agents to the skin for regional or systemic effects. Topical drug delivery presents several benefits in the form of increased bioavailability, prevention from first-pass metabolism, decreased system side effects, and increased compliance by the patients. Topical drug delivery mainly depends on the characteristics of stratum corneum, which represents a major drug permeation barrier.

This review discusses different topical drug delivery systems like conventional semi-solid, liquid, and solid systems in the form of creams, ointments, gels, pastes, lotions, and powders. It also deals with new drug delivery technologies such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, microsponges, fullerenes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and microneedles, which have transformed transdermal drug delivery by promoting drug penetration and activity.

In addition, several pharmaceutical methods aimed at enhancing drug permeation—iontophoresis, sonophoresis, electroporation, laser-assisted delivery, radio-frequency techniques, and magnetophoresis—are discussed for their ability to bypass the skin's natural barrier. The use of permeation enhancers and the prodrug strategy in enhancing drug absorption is also emphasized.

With ongoing advances in pharmaceutical sciences and material science, topical drug delivery is set to get even more innovative. The incorporation of new drug carriers, permeation enhancement techniques, and targeted drug preparations will expand the therapeutic efficacy of dermatological and transdermal therapies significantly, leading to more efficient and patient-friendly drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Topical drug delivery, dermatological bases, permeation enhancers, novel drug carriers, skin absorption techniques