The influence of ultrasound on percutaneous absorption

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Optimisation of drug delivery 5. Pulmonary drug delivery

This article reviews the origins, current status and possible future directions for drug delivery by the pulmonary route. Deposition of drugs in the lungs is briefly discussed and methods to improve pulmonary bioavailability are outlined. Design aspects of pulmonary drug delivery systems and products available in Australia are reviewed

Optimisation of drug delivery: 2. Principles of drug delivery and limitations of conventional non-oral dosage forms

The first article in this series outlined some common problems in the use of oral dosage forms and indicated some approaches to the solution of these problems. The present view addresses similar problems with traditional non-oral dosage forms. These routes of administration are generally used when a deficiency of the oral route prevents achievement of the desired drug effect when given by this route. Examples are when a very rapid response is required (e.g. induction of general anaesthesia, treatment of status epilepticus), local rather than systemic effect, or when vomiting prevents adequate oral absorption

Optimisation of drug delivery 9. Mucosal drug delivery via the eye, vagina, uterus and rectum

This article reviews the current status and possible future applications of drug delivery via the mucosal membranes of the eye, vagina and rectum, as well as a little of its history. The anatomy of each administration site is briefly discussed with respect to its influence on drug delivery. Current research into optimisation of drug delivery via these mucosal surfaces is reviewed

Optimization of drug delivery 10. Site-specific drug delivery of small molecules

Site-specific delivery of small molecule drugs is briefly reviewed. The area is divided into molecular design and formulation approaches to modifying the biodistribution of a drug molecule, such that delivery to one part of the body is favoured over others. Molecular design approaches include use of inherent physico-chemical properties, specific biochemical transporters, chemical delivery systems and bioreversible attachment of soluble macromolecules. Formulation approaches use microparticulate carriers, e.g. liposomes, microspheres, nanospheres, reannealed blood cells and combination strategies. Some recent examples of clinically used site-specific delivery systems are reported