Niosomes as a propitious carrier for topical drug delivery

Abstract

Introduction: Topical delivery is defined as drug targeting to the pathologic sites of skin with the least systemic absorption. Drug localization in this case is a crucial issue. For these purposes vesicular drug delivery systems including niosomes, proniosomes, liposomes and transferosomes have been developed.

Areas covered: This review first highlights the role of niosome in dermatology focusing on localized skin delivery and then reviews the most recent literatures regarding specific applications of niosomal drug delivery systems in clinics.

Expert opinion: Niosomes are becoming popular in the field of topical drug delivery due to their outstanding characteristics like enhancing the penetration of drugs, providing a sustained pattern of drug release, increasing drug stability and ability to carry both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.