In order to overcome the limitations associated with vaginal administration of drugs, e.g., the short contact time of the drug form with the mucosa or continuous carrier wash-out, the development of new carriers for gynecological use is necessary. Furthermore, high individual anatomical and physiological variability resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy of lipophilic active substances requires application of multicompartment drug delivery systems. This manuscript provides an up-to-date comprehensive review of the literature on emulsion-based vaginal dosage forms (EVDF) including macroemulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, multiple emulsions and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems. The first part of the paper discusses (i) the influence of anatomical-physiological conditions on therapeutic efficacy of drug forms after local and systemic administration, (ii) characterization of EVDF components and the manufacturing techniques of these dosage forms and (iii) methods used to evaluate the physicochemical and pharmaceutical properties of emulsion-based vaginal dosage forms. The second part of the paper presents (iv) the results of biological and in vivo studies as well as (v) clinical evaluation of EVDF safety and therapeutic efficacy across different indications.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of single and triple administration of levamisole on the dynamics of hematological parameters during experimental pleuritis. The experiment was performed on female Buffalo rats. Rats were randomly assigned to two equal groups that received 1 and 3 doses of levamisole every 2, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Following the experiment, blood samples for the measurement of hematological parameters were collected. The study group receiving three doses of levamisole observed a significant reduction of red blood cell count at 48 h post administration and an increase in mean corpuscular volume compared to the control inflammation group. The administration of a single dose of levamisole results in a significant increase in hematocrit at 72 h, an increase in white blood cell count at 24 h and 72 h, and an increase in neutrophil count at 72 h compared to the control inflammation group. Administration of a single and triple dose of levamisole showed statistically significant modification of some hematological parameters and thus modulates the inflammatory process. In the lungs, this results in a reduction in leukocyte infiltrations around the bronchi and blood vessels.

Vaginal candidiasis (VC) is an emerging global hardly treated health issue affecting millions of women worldwide. In this study, the nanoemulsion consisting of clotrimazole (CLT), rapeseed oil, Pluronic F-68, Span 80, PEG 200, and lactic acid was prepared using high-speed and high-pressure homogenization. Yielded formulations were characterized by an average droplet size of 52–56 nm, homogenous size distribution by volume, and a polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.2. The osmolality of nanoemulsions (NEs) fulfilled the recommendations of the WHO advisory note. NEs were stable throughout 28 weeks of storage. The stationary and dynamic (USP apparatus IV) pilot study of the changes of free CLT over time for NEs, as well as market cream and CLT suspension as references, were conducted. Test results of the changes in the amount of free CLT released from the encapsulated form were not coherent; in the stationary method, NEs yielded up to 27% of the released CLT dose within 5 h, while in the USP apparatus IV method, NEs released up to 10% of the CLT dose. NEs are promising carriers for vaginal drug delivery in the treatment of VC; however, further development of the final dosage form and harmonized release or dissolution testing protocols are needed.

This study aimed to analyse hydrogels intended to prevent irritation of the oesophageal mucosa in individuals sensitive or allergic to commonly used substances that neutralise acidic gastric contents. Such sensitivities can hinder effective management of gastrointestinal disorders involving the stomach and oesophagus. The research focused on assessing the influence of hydrophilizing agents: glycerol, polyethylene glycol 200, and propylene glycol-1,2 on the properties of chitosan-containing gels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that hydrogels formulated with chitosan and the selected hydrophilizing agents can potentially alleviate reflux symptoms. The incorporation of chitosan resulted in an increase in gel pH and dynamic viscosity, both of which support the neutralisation of acidic gastric contents. Texture analysis further revealed that both chitosan and the hydrophilizing substances significantly enhanced the adhesive properties of the gels, as indicated by increased adhesion work. These findings suggest that the developed formulations offer an effective alternative for individuals with sensitivities to standard antacid therapies.

In developed countries, gastro-oesophageal reflux is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases. Although acid reflux is more well known, alkaline reflux is equally troublesome. In either of the two cases, the oesophageal mucosa is destroyed. The aim of this study was to analyse the possibility of eliminating the problem by using hydrogels containing dextran and chitosan to prevent irritation of the oesophageal mucosa. The addition of chitosan to all tested gels increased their dynamic viscosity, enabling better adhesion and, consequently, better protection of the mucous membrane. The addition of dextran reduced the pH of the tested gels, which allowed for the neutralisation of alkaline reflux. Based on the texture tests, chitosan and dextran increased work of adhesion.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a serious social problem that affects every sphere of life. The quality of life of people with this disease is reduced due to the presence of troublesome symptoms, which translates into reduced work efficiency and vitality. The major problem is acidic gastro-oesophageal reflux. This study was undertaken to examine whether hydrogels prevent irritation of the oesophageal mucosa. The aim was to investigate the influence of chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt on the protective properties of prepared gels in the treatment of acid reflux. The addition of chitosan to all tested gels increased their pH and dynamic viscosity. Preparations containing 0.3% carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt showed the highest pH. The texture tests showed the effect of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt concentration on the adhesion work of the tested gels. These gels could be used in the treatment of advanced acid reflux