Week 9 Vaginal DDS

Vaginal Flora

Microorganisms that help protect against infections in the reproductive system.

Vaginal pH

A healthy vaginal pH level should be between 3.8 and 4.5.

RC-14 and GR-1

Friendly bacteria that support vaginal health.

Bacterial Vaginosis

A condition where over 50% of women who experience it will get it again.

Physicochemical Properties for Vaginal DDS

Low molecular weight (< 1,000 Da) and preference for lipophilic drugs.

Mucoadhesives

Substances used to increase contact time and retention of dosage forms in the vagina.

NuvaRing®

A contraceptive vaginal ring releasing hormones like etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol.

MUSE®

A single-use trans-urethral suppository designed to deliver alprostadil for erectile tissue.

Advantages of Vaginal DDS

Large surface area, rich blood supply, low metabolic activity, high permeability.

Disadvantages of Urethral DDS

Unpopular, does not lend itself to systemic drug delivery, requires different sizes.

Menstruating Women

Women whose epithelium thickness and pH may affect drug absorption due to hormonal changes.

Vaginal Dosage Forms

Includes suppositories, ointments, creams, gels, vaginal tablets, and vaginal rings.

Etonogestrel

A hormone released by NuvaRing® for contraceptive purposes.

Probiotic Lactobacillus

Bacteria like L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri that support vaginal health.

Passive Transcellular Transport

The method of drug transport across cell membranes without energy.