A Review on Vaginal Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Purpose: This review article has been written with a purpose to collate both conventional and novel vaginal drug delivery systems, highlighting the need and advantages of the novel vaginal drug delivery systems. This article will benefit the researchers working in the field of vaginal drug delivery with information about the current research being done in this area. Approach: The unique anatomy and physiology of the vagina is briefly described and then the various conventional and novel drug delivery systems such as vaginal films, vaginal rings, vaginal microspheres, vaginal liposomes, vaginal mucoadhesive caplets, vaginal mini tablets, and vaginal nanofibres are discussed. Research studies focusing on the novel vaginal drug delivery and their findings have also been reported. Findings: The novel vaginal drug delivery systems offer various advantages such as improved mucoadhesion, targeted drug delivery, prolonged drug delivery, improved stability and less frequency of dosing. Conclusion: Traditionally, intravaginal drug delivery has been restricted to delivery of anti infectives to the local vaginal cavity. With the rediscovery of the vaginal route as a potential route for the delivery of therapeutically important molecules, such as microbicides, novel vaginal drug delivery systems are being investigated. These novel systems would enhance the delivery of many drugs offering better therapeutic outcomes.