Multiple emulsions are a type of polydisperse, systems where both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions exist simultaneously.

Multiple emulsions have been proposed to have numerous uses including their use as prolonged drug delivery system. The inherent instability of these systems needs to be overcome before they find potential application in pharmaceuticals. This review focuses on formulation, preparation, characterization, causes of instability, stabilization, and potential applications of multiple emulsions.