BUCCAL DRUG DELIVERY: AN EMERGING PLATFORM FOR SYSTEMIC AND LOCALIZED THERAPY

Abstract

Buccal drug delivery systems (BDDS) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional oral drug administration by overcoming limitations such as extensive first-pass metabolism, gastrointestinal degradation, and reduced bioavailability. The buccal mucosa offers a highly vascularized and relatively permeable surface, enabling direct drug entry into systemic circulation and thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing hepatic metabolism. This route provides advantages including painless administration, rapid onset of action, improved patient compliance, and suitability for pediatric, geriatric, unconscious, and non-cooperative patients. Bioadhesion and mucoadhesion play crucial roles in prolonging the residence time of dosage forms by facilitating interaction between the formulation and mucin layer of the oral mucosa. Drug permeability across the buccal membrane is influenced by physiological and anatomical factors, as well as formulation strategies incorporating penetration enhancers, enzyme inhibitors, and novel bioadhesive polymers. Despite extensive research and development of various dosage forms such as tablets, patches, gels, sprays, and films, only a limited number have achieved clinical and commercial success. Challenges such as limited surface area, salivary washout, and lack of standardized in vitro evaluation methods remain significant. Overall, BDDS represents a technologically advanced and patient-friendly drug delivery approach with substantial therapeutic potential.