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

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