Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System: A Comprehensive Overview of Penetration Enhancers

Abstract

Buccal medication administration is a relatively new technique that has gained favor in recent years as a result of its many benefits over more conventional dose forms. It is ideal for the buccal distribution of drugs that have a short biological half-life, a low molecular weight, poor water solubility, an unstable stomach pH, a low dose, and a high first-pass metabolism. Drug absorption is hindered by the buccal mucosa's complicated structure. Therefore, penetration enhancers are used in conjunction with the medications to increase the bioavailability of the delivered drug by improving drug absorption across the buccal membrane. Improved drug partitioning across the buccal mucosa, interactions with intracellular lipids and proteins, and an extended retention time surrounding the mucosa are all mechanisms by which penetration enhancers exert their effects. In order to better understand the function of penetration enhancers and how they considerably boost medication absorption via the buccal mucosa, this review will attempt to do just that.