Chapter 2 - Applications of Polymers in Buccal Drug Delivery

Abstract

Over the last decades, systemic drug delivery through oral mucosa has received a great deal of attention. Actually buccal mucosa is an attractive route due to its ease of accessibility, rapid efficacy, smooth and relatively immobile surface, high patient compliance, avoidance of gastrointestinal or hepatic first pass metabolism and suitability for the placement of controlled-release systems. However, the limitations in buccal drug delivery are related to the low permeability of the epithelium, relatively small surface area available for absorption and short residence time of formulations due to involuntary swallowing and constant salivary scavenging within the oral cavity. To provide a better retention of the dosage form in the site of application, bioadhesive polymers have been used extensively in buccal drug delivery systems. This chapter focuses on bioadhesive polymers used in buccal drug delivery. This chapter also provides insights into novel polymeric drug delivery systems such as hydrogels, microspheres, nanoparticles, patches, and matrix tablets used in buccal drug delivery.