MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL PATCHES: AN INTEGRATED PERSPECTIVE ON DRUG DELIVERY, MUCOADHESION, AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Kousalya B. M., Mrs. Selvi A.*

ABSTRACT

Mucoadhesive buccal patches have emerged as a promising drug delivery system owing to their ability to enhance drug bioavailability, improve patient compliance, and provide controlled drug release. The buccal route offers several advantages over conventional oral administration by bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism and avoiding degradation of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract. Mucoadhesion plays a crucial role in prolonging the residence time of the dosage form at the site of application, thereby facilitating effective drug absorption through the buccal mucosa. The effectiveness of mucoadhesive buccal patches depends on various factors, including the properties of the polymer, the mechanism of mucoadhesion, and the physiological characteristics of the buccal mucosa. This review provides an integrated perspective on mucoadhesive buccal patches and their role in buccal drug delivery. It discusses the fundamentals of buccal drug delivery systems, the concept and mechanisms of mucoadhesion, and the major theories proposed to explain mucoadhesive interactions. Furthermore, the therapeutic applications of mucoadhesive buccal patches for both local and systemic drug delivery are explored. By consolidating current knowledge on mucoadhesive buccal patches, this review emphasizes their significance as an effective and patient-friendly drug delivery platform and highlights their potential for future pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords: Mucoadhesive buccal patches, Buccal drug delivery system, Mucoadhesion, Buccal mucosa, Mucoadhesive polymers, Controlled drug release, Bioavailability, Therapeutic applications.