Topic 2H Vaginal Drug Delivery

Question 0

Limitations of vaginal drug delivery (6)

Answer 0

1. Limited to potent molecules
2. Adverse effects (local irritation)
3. Hormone dependent changes
4. Leakage
5. Life cycle constraints
6. Applicability constraints

Question 1

Advantages of vaginal drug delivery (8)

Answer 1

1. Large surface area
2. Rich blood supply
3. Low metabolic activity
4. Permeability
5. Ease of administration
6. Prolonged retention
7. Alternative when oral route is unfeasible
8. Zero order controlled release

Question 2

Formulation requirements of vaginal inserts (tablets) (10)

Answer 2

Vaginal pesseries
1. Glycerol-gelatine bases (water soluble)
2. Surfactants and preservative agents 
Aerosol foams
3. Emulsions
4. Water missable and non greasy 
Vaginal inserts
5. Lactose 
6. Disintegrating agent (starch)
7. Dispersing agent  
8. Tablet lubricant (magnesium)
9. Bicarbonate + organic acid
10. Lactose -> Lactic acid

Question 3

Why is lactose a good tablet filler for vaginal tablets (3)

Answer 3

Lactose is a good filler for vaginal tablets as it is a natural substrate for the vaginal micro flora, which converts lactose into lactic acid resulting in a pH value of 4-4.5