Mucoadhesive dosage forms

A third approach investigated to override normal gastric emptying is the use of materials that promote adherence to the mucosa that is lining the stomach. These dosage forms are often called mucoadhesives or bioadhesives [34], This approach has been under investigation for many years with limited success. Several recent studies on mucoadhesive dosage forms are presented here. 

Das, N.G., and S.K. Das. 2004. Development of mucoadhesive dosage forms of buprenorphine for sublingual drug delivery. Drug Deliv 11 89. 

Ceschel, G.C., et al. 2001. Development of a mucoadhesive dosage form for vaginal administration. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 27 541. 

During the last decade research was particularly focused on the delivery of mucoadhesive dosage forms in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the most favorable route of delivery with regard to patient compliance and ease of application. For this reason microparticulate formulations, consisting of mucoadhesive hydrogels. 

Several bio/mucoadhesive dosage forms have been developed, and mechanism(s) of bioadhesion have been delineated. 

The occnrrence of a mucus layer that present at the surface of various organs has been exploited to develop mucoadhesive dosage forms. These layers act as administration site to prolong time, and increase the local and/or systemic bioavailability of the administered drug [58]. The appearance of micro and nanotechnologies simultaneously with the execution of non-invasive and painless administration routes has transforms the pharmaceutical market and the management of disease. Intending to minimize the chief limitations of the oral route and... 

The mucoadhesive property of chitosan has been exploited in designing various mucoadhesive dosage forms as it prolongs the contact time of the active drug at its requisite site of absorption, thus often enhancing its bioavailabihty and exhibiting a sustained drug release effect [112-114]. 

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