Emulgel-Based Containing Fluconazole and Cetirizine Topical Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Topical drug delivery systems have emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of dermatological disorders by delivering drugs directly to the site of action while minimizing systemic exposure and associated adverse effects. However, conventional topical dosage forms such as creams, ointments, and lotions often exhibit limitations including poor drug penetration, greasiness, instability, and reduced patient compliance. These challenges are particularly evident in the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. Emulgels, which combine the advantages of emulsions and gels, have gained increasing attention as an advanced topical drug delivery platform. Emulgels enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, improve skin permeation, and offer superior aesthetic and rheological properties. This review provides an in-depth discussion of emulgel-based topical drug delivery systems, covering formulation components, preparation techniques, mechanisms of drug release, and evaluation parameters. Special emphasis is placed on fluconazole-loaded emulgels reported for antifungal therapy and the therapeutic relevance of antihistaminic agents such as cetirizine in managing pruritus and inflammation associated with fungal skin infections. Published research findings indicate that emulgels significantly enhance drug release, antifungal efficacy, and patient acceptability compared to conventional topical formulations. The review also discusses challenges, regulatory aspects, and future prospects of emulgel technology in dermatological applications.