AN OVERVIEW ON BUCCAL FILMS

Sumayya Haneef*, Mariya Sultana and S. M. Shahidulla

ABSTRACT

Now days, an extensive research is being carried out on the design and development of innovative drug delivery systems to improve the safety, efficacy and patient compliance. One such delivery system is the buccal film technology. Buccal film technology is one such distribution method. This technology has become a cutting-edge replacement for more traditional sorts of drug delivery systems. Through a buccal drug administration device, the film is delivered. It is novel film technology which is fullfills all these requirements. It is administered through buccal drug delivery system. A film is small in size, dose, easily administered so that it is more palatable and acceptable dosage from than other buccal drug delivery system like wafers, lozenges, micro particles, gel, tablets. It is the proven technology for the systemic delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients [API’s]. The buccal mucosa is the best suited site for local, as well as systemic delivery of drugs due to its physiological features. The film is an elegant and effective dosage form with improved bioavailability, when compared to other dosage forms as it bypasses the hepatic first pass metabolism. It is cost effective, biodegradable, fast absorption, elegant, easy to handle, non irritating and no requirement of swallowing of drug henceforth it is more accepted dosage form by geriatric and pediatric patients. It also has the advantages of improved patience compliance because of their reduced size with suitable thickness as compared to certain other delivery system like buccal tablets and lozenges. It favors the delivery of drugs having danger of wastage through first pass effect, having low permeability, enzymatic degradation and can be affected by the variable environment of the gastro intestinal tract.

Keywords: Buccal film, Mucosal membrane, Novel Drug Delivery System, Oral cavity, Patient compliance.