EMULGEL: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE RECENT ADVANCES IN TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Emulgel has emerged as a promising drug delivery system for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. When gel and emulsion are used in combined form they are referred as Emulgel. Emulsion in gel have emerged as one of the most interesting topical drug delivery system as it have dual release control system i.e. emulsion and gel. Gels are relatively newer class of dosage form created by entrapment of large amount of aqueous or hydro alcoholic liquid in a network of colloidal solid particles which may consist of inorganic substances or organic polymers of natural or synthetic origin. In recent years there has been great interest in the use of novel polymers with complex function such as emulsifiers and thickeners. The gelling capacity of these compounds allows the formulation of stable emulsion and creams by decreasing surface and interfacial tension at the same time increasing the viscosity of aqueous phase. In spite of many advantages of gels a major limitation is in the delivery of hydrophobic drug. So to overcome this limitation an emulsion based approach is being used so that even a hydrophobic moiety can enjoy the unique property of gel.