Understanding the implications of pharmaceutical excipients and additives in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a consequence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and involves complex pathological processes. Among diabetic patients DFU is a major cause of deaths resulting from the amputation of the lower limbs. Various treatment strategies have been developed for the treatment of DFUs, but to this date unfortunately no single treatment fulfills the prerequisites necessary for treating this condition due to its complex, multifactorial pathophysiology. Additionaly, costs associated with the treatment can be prohibitively high. Excipients are pharmaceutical agents which have diverse applications in the design of different dosage forms. Therefore, an ideal dosage form, with active excipients in combination or as adjuvants, which meet these requirements could be suited for treating DFUs. This review discusses the etiopathogenesis of DFUs and also the possible of the use of excipients and additives in various pathological cases of DFUs in designing medicinal products intended for the treatment of this condition.