Gelucire: A wonderful excipient for improving the physicochemical characteristics of drugs and controlled release matrices

The Gelucire family of vehicles is made from a combination of PEG esters of fatty acids and mono-, di-, and triglycerides. These come in a variety of qualities based on their melting point range (33–65 °C) and HLB. They can be used in a wide range of topical and oral preparations. Enhancement of solubility and bioavailability, sustained drug release, taste masking, and protection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) against oxygen, light, and humidity are some of the uses for oral formulation. Topical formulations can be used as thickeners, stabilize creams, lotions, and gels, and improve drug absorption via the skin. Fast-release formulations are often prepared using gelucire that contains solely PEG esters. Sustained release formulations are prepared using gelucire that contains either glycerides alone or a combination of glycerides and PEG esters. Their low density and great hydrophobicity make them suitable carriers for the construction of sustained release medication delivery systems.