REVIEW ON BUCCAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Buccal drug delivery represents a highly promising and patient-compliant approach for both local and systemic drug administration, offering distinct advantages over conventional routes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of buccal drug delivery, highlighting its physiological basis, formulation strategies, and ongoing advancements. The unique anatomy and physiology of the buccal mucosa, characterized by rich vascularization, avoidance of hepatic first-pass metabolism, and a relatively less hostile enzymatic environment compared to the gastrointestinal tract, make it an attractive site for drug absorption. This article synthesizes recent developments in various buccal dosage forms, including mucoadhesive patches, films, tablets, gels, and sprays, emphasizing the role of bioadhesive polymers and permeation enhancers in optimizing drug residence time and absorption. Furthermore, the review discusses the factors influencing buccal drug absorption, such as physicochemical properties of the drug, physiological barriers, and formulation excipients. Challenges associated with buccal delivery, including limited surface area, salivary washout, and patient acceptability for certain formulations, are also addressed. Finally, this review explores emerging trends and future perspectives in the field, including novel manufacturing technologies and the potential for delivering challenging molecules like proteins and peptides. This compilation aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and formulators interested in developing efficient and effective buccal drug delivery systems.