1. The selection of excipients is crucial in formulating an ideal vaginal drug delivery system with the requisite properties, including safety, efficacy, patient compliance, aesthetics, harmonization with regulatory requirements, and cost.
2. Synthetic and natural polymers are widely used in pharmaceutical vaginal formulations to improve stability and compatibility issues when administered topically or systemically.
3. The anatomy and physiology of the vagina can affect drug absorption, and factors such as cervical mucus, vaginal epithelium thickness, fluid, microflora, enzymatic activity, and pH should be considered when selecting excipients for modified release vaginal formulations.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the excipients used in modified release vaginal formulations. It covers the anatomy and physiology of the vagina, factors that affect drug absorption in vaginal epithelium, and advantages of vaginal drug delivery. The article also discusses various types of excipients used in vaginal formulations, including synthetic and natural polymers, biopolymers, and other novel excipients.
Overall, the article appears to be well-researched and informative. However, there are some potential biases and limitations to consider. For example, the article focuses primarily on the benefits of vaginal drug delivery without discussing potential risks or side effects. Additionally, while the article provides a thorough overview of various types of excipients used in vaginal formulations, it does not explore potential drawbacks or limitations associated with these excipients.
Another limitation is that the article may be somewhat one-sided in its reporting. While it does mention some potential challenges associated with vaginal drug delivery (such as variability in structural form), it primarily focuses on the advantages and benefits of this route of administration.
Additionally, while the article provides a detailed overview of various types of excipients used in vaginal formulations, it does not provide much information about specific products or brands that use these excipients. This could be seen as both a strength (as it avoids promotional content) and a weakness (as readers may want more specific information about products they can use).
Overall, while there are some limitations to consider, this article provides a valuable overview of recent advances in the excipients used in modified release vaginal formulations. It would be useful for researchers and healthcare professionals working in this area.