Formulation Based Technology Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Transdermal drug delivery is the safest and convenient delivery system for numerous drugs. Different types of transdermal patches are used for specific targeted drug delivery. Conventional transdermal patches have disadvantage that drugs with larger molecular size have difficulty in absorption. Stratum corneum is the primary barrier layer for many drugs permeation. Several methods are employed for the penetration enhancement and successful penetration of many drugs has been observed. The objective of this article is to explore the potential of different formulation based technology advances in this respect. The drug delivery systems are divided into vesicular and non vesicular drug systems like liposomes, hydrogels, dendrimers etc. and then further their individual role in transdermal drug delivery is discussed. These systems act as carrier for both low as well as high molecular weight drugs, thus resulting in improved stability, solubility and effective delivery of drug molecules. This review articles covers the individual role of these delivery systems along with some examples of drugs.