Recent Advances in Novel Semisolid Dosage Forms: An Overview

Abstract

Semisolids constitute a significant proportion of pharmaceutical dosage forms. They serve as carriers for drugs that are topically delivered by way of the skin, cornea, rectal tissue, nasal mucosa, vagina, buccal tissue, urethral membrane, and external ear lining. Novel semisolids are non-greasy since they are made up of water washable bases. Hence they cause less irritation to skin and are superior to conventional semisolid dosage form. Novel creams now a days are provided with nanoparticles and microspheres, which has an excellent emollient effect, with better spread ability, and less staining than oleaginous ointments. However both medicated and non-medicated creams provide very good emollient effects, oleaginous ointments are preferred for dry, chapped skin in an environment of low humidity because of its occlusive properties. A semisolid dosage form is advantageous in terms of its easy application, rapid formulation, and ability to topically deliver a wide variety of drug molecules.

KEY WORDS: Semisolids, Novel creams, Gel, Ointment