Hidrogelovi za vaginalnu primjenu lijekova

Abstract

The vaginal route of drug administration has been used for achieving local and systemic drug effects. The rate and extent of drug absorption after intravaginal application may be altered by vaginal physiology, age, stage in the menstrual cycle, pathological condition and formulation factors. Among a variety of vaginal dosage forms available, hydrogels offer several advantages such as hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, good distribution and retention, appropriate drug release and acceptability by patients. They have been mostly used for the treatment of vaginal dryness and local delivery of antimicrobial drugs, microbicides, contraceptives and labor inducers. However, hydrogels have also potential for systemic delivery of hormones, vaccines, proteins and peptides. This paper summarizes potentials, current use and research on hydrogels as vaginal drug delivery systems