A REVIEW ON GEL AS A RECENT APPROACH FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Suryawanshi Nishant C., Vijayendra Swamy S. M., Nagoba Shivappa N.* and Chandrawanshi Mayuri J.

ABSTRACT

The basic network of gel is a combination of a gelling agent and water/ solvents in which the drug molecules are embedded/ entwined evenly. The nature of the solvent classify gels into two basic types i.e. organogels and hydrogels. Gel is a thick, clear, slightly sticky substance, especially one used in cosmetic or medicinal products. Gel is applied topically for topical drug delivery system. There are so many advantages of delivering the drug directly to the site of action and acting for a longer period. Skin is one of the most largely spread and easily accessible site on the human body for topical administration and more effective or rapid action. Gel formulation provides better application property and stability in comparison to cream and ointment, many products used topical like ointments, creams and lotions have less disadvantages as they are usually very sticky causing oily skin orgrassy feeling to the patient when applied on skin. Gels are formulated by using methods like Thermal changes, Flocculation, Chemical reaction. Gels are evaluated by following parameters such as pH, homogeneity, grittiness drug content, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, skin irritation studies, in- vitro release, in Stability.

Keywords: Gel, Topical Administration, Spreadability, Viscosity etc.