Marián Žabka
The review deals with vaginal dosage forms from conventional dosage forms through vaginal inserts, vaginal rings to bioadhesive vaginal dosage forms with controlled liberation (dissolution) of drugs. It analyses influence of physical - chemical characteristics of drug and type of dosage form and its excipients on the pharmaceutical availability and bioavailability of applied drug. It evaluates effect of dissolution rate of drug from dosage form and the site of application and influence of bioadhesion on the topical and systemic effect of drug. The bioadhesion and mucoadhesion and the bioadhesive polymers are characterized in connection with vaginal dosage form. The advantages and disadvantages of conventional dosage forms are mentioned and the possibilities of modern vaginal dosage forms (drug delivery systems) and future possibilities of development are analyzed.