HYDROGEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR VAGINAL AND ORAL APPLICATIONS - FORMULATION AND BIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Hydrophilic polymer gels (hydrogels) exhibit a range of physical, chemical, and biological properties which makes them attractive as drug delivery systems. Such systems are biocompatible and can be formulated to give controlled, pulsed, and triggered drug release profiles in a variety of tissues. This review will focus on delivery to the vaginal and oral areas including the oral cavity, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum. Careful attention to the unique physiology of each area allows the development of drug formulations capable of providing the desired release profile, minimum irritation, and fewest side effects.