Cellulose derivatives and natural gums as gelling agents for preparation of emulgel-based dosage forms: A brief review

Incorporation of an emulsion onto a gel base develops a drug delivery system with improved characteristics, known as emulgel, that can envelop both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, and therefore increase stability and penetration of topical formulations. Such a drug delivery system provides controlled drug release that has more patient compliance and higher therapeutic efficacy. Emulgel is prepared in three main stages, preparation of water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion, providing the gel base, and incorporation of prepared emulsion onto gel base with continuous stirring. Various materials such as different oils (e.g. sesame oil, balsam oil, and mineral oil), emulsifiers (e.g. Tween (R) and Span (R) as the non-ionic surfactant, polyvinyl alcohol), and gelling agents including cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in different concentrations are used in emulgel preparation. The physical properties, particle size distribution, spreadability, permeation, and drug release rate are evaluated in their development and characterization. They are used in skin disorders and other diseases such as chronic anal fisher. Also, anti-acne, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drugs have been formulated as emulgel delivery system and their effects have been studied. In this article, the subject is to review the characteristics, preparation methods, and therapeutic efficacy as well as the potential clinical use of emulgels.

Automated summary

Incorporating an emulsion onto a gel base creates emulgel, a drug delivery system that enhances stability and penetration, allowing it to envelop both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules. Emulgel provides controlled drug release with improved patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. The preparation involves three main stages: creating a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion, providing the gel base, and incorporating the emulsion onto the gel base with continuous stirring. Various materials are used, including different oils, emulsifiers, and gelling agents. The physical properties, particle size distribution, spreadability, permeation, and drug release rate are evaluated during development and characterization. Emulgel has potential clinical uses for treating skin disorders and diseases such as chronic anal fissures, and has been studied for delivering anti-acne, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drugs.