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@article{205591,
        author = {Pradnya R. Shenavi and Prof. Dipali Hamde},
        title = {Recent Trends in Antifungal Drug Delivery Systems: From Conventional Dosage Forms to Transdermal Patches},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {7064-7072},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205591},
        abstract = {Fungal infections constitute a significant global health burden, affecting millions of individuals annually and ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic mycoses. The increasing prevalence of immunocompromised conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplantation, and diabetes mellitus, has contributed to a rise in fungal infections worldwide. Although several antifungal agents, including azoles, polyenes, echinocandins, and allylamines, are available for clinical use, their therapeutic effectiveness is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, toxicity, frequent dosing requirements, and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Conventional dosage forms such as oral tablets, capsules, topical creams, ointments, and injectable formulations have been extensively utilized; however, they are associated with several drawbacks including poor patient compliance, inadequate drug penetration, systemic adverse effects, and variable pharmacokinetic profiles. Recent advances in pharmaceutical technology have led to the development of novel antifungal drug delivery systems aimed at overcoming these limitations and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.  This review comprehensively discusses the evolution of antifungal drug delivery systems from conventional formulations to advanced nanocarrier-based technologies and transdermal patches. The article highlights recent developments, mechanisms, advantages, limitations, clinical applications, and future prospects of modern antifungal delivery strategies. Emphasis is placed on the role of innovative delivery systems in improving therapeutic efficacy, minimizing adverse effects, and addressing the growing challenge of antifungal resistance.},
        keywords = {Antifungal drugs, Drug delivery systems, Nanotechnology, Liposomes, Nanoemulsions, Solid lipid nanoparticles, Transdermal patches, Microneedles, Fungal infections, Controlled drug delivery.},
        month = {June},
        }