International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 14, Issue 2

Unlocking Dithranol’s Potential: Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Improved Pharmacokinetics

Pankaj Kumar1*, Kuldip Kumar Savita1, Anubhav Dubey2, Sandeep Singh Gaur3

1Smt. Vidyawati College of Pharmacy, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2Department of Pharmacology, Maharana Pratap College of Pharmacy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh India.

3Shri Rawatpura Sarkar College of Pharmacy, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Received: 23rd May, 2024; Revised: 25th May, 2024; Accepted: 02nd June, 2024; Available Online: 25th June, 2024 

ABSTRACT

Dithranol is a therapeutic agent mainly used for psoriasis; however, its clinical use is limited by poor stability, skin irritation, and low patient compliance with conventional formulations. This paper reviews the various advanced drug delivery systems that have been formulated to bypass the above limitations and improve the pharmacokinetics of dithranol. In this context, we describe the problems of the current formulations, which are the instability of the drug and adverse reactions to the skin. Further, we present the advantages of advanced delivery systems, including nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, for drug stabilization and delivery to target tissues. We elaborate on the working of polymeric systems, including hydrogels, microparticles, micelles, and prodrugs, with which drug solubility is improved and drug release is sustained. Finally, through in-vitro and in-vivo studies and clinical procedures, details are given regarding the drug release kinetics, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of such formulations. The text elaborates on future directions and new technological approaches toward the delivery of dithranol. These advanced delivery systems will help to overcome the limitations of the existing formulations and achieve a higher therapeutic impact of the drug on psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Keywords: Dithranol, Advanced drug delivery, Nanotechnology, Pharmacokinetics, Psoriasis treatment. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology (2024); DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.14.2.83

How to cite this article: Kumar P, Savita KK, Dubey A, Gaur SS. Unlocking Dithranol’s Potential: Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Improved Pharmacokinetics. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2024;14(2):1174-1180.

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