In the formulation of topical dosage forms, attempts are being made to utilize drug carriers that ensure adequate localization or penetration of the drug within or through the skin in order to enhance the local and minimize the systemic effects, or to ensure adequate percutaneous absorption. The application of liposomes as drug carriers on the skin surface has been proven to be efficient in the delivery of liposome-entrapped drugs to and into the skin. Applied on the skin, liposomes may act as a solubilizing matrix for poorly soluble drugs, penetration enhancers, as well as a local depot for sustained drug release, at the same time diminishing the side effects of drugs. Summarily, topical liposome formulations could be more effective and less toxic than conventional formulations. However major limitation of using liposomes topically is the liquid nature of preparation. That can be overcome by their incorporation in adequate vehicles where original structure of vesicles is preserved. It has already been shown that liposomes are fairly compatible with gels made from polymers derived from crosslinked poly acrylic acid, such as carbopol resins.
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