CURRENT STATUS OF BUCCAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A REVIEW

Buccal mucosa is the preferred site for both systemic and local drug action. The mucosa has a rich blood supply and it relatively permeable. The buccal region of the oral cavity is an attractive target for administration of the drug of choice, particularly in overcoming deficiencies associated with the latter mode of administration. Problems such as first-pass metabolism and drug degradation in the gastrointestinal environment can be circumvented by administering the drug via the buccal route. Moreover, rapid onset of action can be achieved relative to the oral route and the formulation can be removed if therapy is required to be discontinued. It is also possible to administer drugs to patients who unconscious and less co-operative. In buccal drug delivery systems mucoadhesion is the key element so various mucoadhesive polymers have been utilized in different dosages form. Mucoadhesion may be defined as the process where polymers attach to biological substrate or a synthetic or natural macromolecule, to mucus or an epithelial surface. When the biological substrate is attached to a mucosal layer then this phenomenon is known as mucoadhesion. The substrate possessing bioadhesive polymer can help in drug delivery for a prolonged period of time at a specific delivery site. Both natural and synthetic polymers are used for the preparation of mucoadhesive buccal patches. However, this review article provides a current status of buccal drug delivery of patches (films) along with formulation development and characterization of mucoadhesive buccal patches. Keywords: Buccal, Mucoadhesive Polymer, Buccal formulations, Buccal patch