title: Organogels in Drug Delivery: A Special Emphasis on Pluronic Lecithin Organogels.
abstract: Organogels have emerged as an alternative carrier for small and macromolecules via transdermal, oral, rectal and ophthalmic routes. Pluronic lecithin organogels (PLO gels) are lecithin-based organogels widely used in compounding pharmacies as a vehicle for enhancing the transdermal permeability of many therapeutic drugs. However, the scientific and systematic evidence in support of how well PLO gels help in transdermal delivery is scanty. Recently, some clinical studies have reported nearly complete lack of bioavailability of certain topically administered drugs from PLO gels. The present review aims at summarizing gels and organogels, with a focus on the use of PLO gels in transdermal drug delivery. A special emphasis is placed on controversies looming over the use of PLO gels as a delivery platform for drugs via transdermal route. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.
authors: Department of Pharmacy Practice, The University of Toledo, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave. Toledo, OH.
authors: Hashem
authors: H
authors: Alsaab
authors: Sindhu Prabha
authors: SP
authors: Bonam
authors: Dherya
authors: D
authors: Bahl
authors: Pallabita
authors: P
authors: Chowdhury
authors: Kenneth
authors: K
authors: Alexander
authors: Sai Hs
authors: SH
authors: Boddu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D054709:Lecithins / Q000737:chemistry*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020442:Poloxamer / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D005782:Gels; D054709:Lecithins; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D020442:Poloxamer