AN OVERVIEW ON CREAM AS A TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

The therapy or any kind of localized treatment related to the any dermatological (Skin) and systemic conditions (Blood circulation) are generally curable using non-surgical methods through topical drug delivery system. Creams are the type of semi solid emulsions contain medicated or non-medicated ingredients which when applied on skin reduce the pathological conditions occurs due to harmful environment. The vital advantage of cream is that it can deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs in body. This kind of delivery system offers a variety of benefits like bypassing first-pass metabolism, provide moisturized effect on skin and efficacious drug permeation through various layers of skin. Creams are classified into two types: Oil-in-water and Water-in-Oil emulsions. Creams are intended to be applied for enhancing, moisturizing and ailing against harmful environmental conditions. Creams for the application to mucus lining include both used in rectum and vagina problems. The various routes we used for penetration of drugs to reach living tissues are sweat ducts, hair follicles with sebaceous glands. The various components used in creams are waxes, vegetable oils, fats, emollients, humectants and perfumes. In the present article, the route of administration of cream, their mechanism, advantages, components, method of preparation and evaluation parameters were discussed.