Drug delivery by the intravaginal route

The human vagina represents a potential, accessible space that offers a val uable route for drug delivery through die use of specifically designed carr ier systems for both local and systemic applications. Intravaginal drug del ivery is particularly appropriate for drugs associated with women's health issues but may also have applications in general drug delivery within the f emale population. A range of drug delivery platforms suitable for intravagi nal administration are discussed in this review, including hydrogels, vagin al tablets, pessaries/suppositories, particulate systems, and intravaginal rings. Drug release mechanisms and absorption pathways are reviewed with re spect to a range of therapeutic and prophylactic indications for intravagin al delivery.