Recent strategies for colon specific drug delivery: A review

Abstract

Colon targeted drug delivery is a relatively new concept for the absorption of drugs as it offers near neutral pH and also it offers long residence time, thereby increasing the drug absorption. The nature of food and enzymes does not affect the drug absorption. Colon has proved to be a site for the absorption of poorly soluble drugs. For the successful targeting of drugs to colon the dosage form should be designed such that it prevents the drug release in upper GIT and releasing it in the colonic region. Colon specific drug delivery not only increases the bioavailability of the drug at the target site, but also reduces the side effects. This review article comprises of the Anatomy of colon, various approaches such as pH dependent, time-dependent and microflora-activated systems have been developed for colon specific drug delivery as well as its benefits and limitations also comprises.