Abstract: 
The vagina, distinct than other systems like buccal or gastrointestinal, is highly dynamic with respect to its physiology, which renders the vaginal environment an uncertainty factor with respect to retention of vaginal dosage forms, absorption of drugs, their metabolism and their elimination from the vagina. Conventionally, vaginal delivery was restricted to locally acting drugs such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-viral, spermicidal, labour-inducing agents, prostaglandins and steroids. Although with time, the potential for systemic delivery through vagina was explored because of its large surface area, high vascularity, and permeability to a wide range of compounds including peptides and proteins. It suggests a constructive substitute to oral and parenteral route. On the other hand, several drawbacks like cultural sensitivity, personal hygiene, gender specificity, local irritation need to be addressed during the design of a vaginal formulation. Presently available vaginal formulations have limitations, such as leakage, messiness and low residence time, which contribute to poor subject or patient compliance. Attempts are being made to develop novel vaginal drug delivery systems that can meet the clinical as well as the user’s requirements. This review will focus on the various aspects, scope and potential of vaginal drug delivery.

Keywords: Vaginal Drug Delivery, Vaginal Formulation, Retention, Mucoadhesion.