Hydrogel based transdermal drug delivery systems

Administering medication by topical means is a highly practical and innovative method. The main challenge in administering medication through the skin is that most medications find it difficult to permeate through and penetrate its natural barrier. Traditional topical formulations have not shown to be successful in delivering drugs through the skin. Innovative medication delivery methods have a lot of promise for topical administration. Among these, hydrogels and other polymeric gels have been proposed as a solution to the issues with traditional distribution methods. Swellable polymeric polymers called hydrogels have been extensively studied as potential drug delivery system carriers. The unique properties of these biomaterials, such as their sensitivity to pH and temperature changes, swelling in aqueous media, or susceptibility to additional stimuli and compatibility with the body. This review reveals the practicality of hydrogel as a topical medication delivery method via the ophthalmic, rectal, vaginal, and cutaneous routes, anyplace in the body.