Buccal films: A review of therapy possibilities, treatment plans and appropriate evaluation techniques

Abstract

Due to apparent greater patient acceptance compared to buccal tablets and enormous therapeutic opportunities compared to traditional oral drug delivery methods, particularly for those who suffer from dysphagia, the potential of the mucoadhesive film technology is difficult to ignore. Despite this, there are currently no authorised mucoadhesive buccal films, and the translation of published literature into the commercial market is essentially non-existent. In order to help this patient-centred dosage form become more widely used, this review aims to give an overview of mucoadhesive buccal film technology and highlight crucial areas on which to concentrate scientific efforts. While discussing the patient-related aspects influencing the utilisation of various dosage forms, a number of indications and development potential were noted. A technical description of the processes used to create these films, including solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, inkjet printing, and three-dimensional printing, was also offered. The utilisation of more than thirty mucoadhesive polymers in film formulations was found, and information about their mucoadhesive properties as well as their inclusion with other essential formulation ingredients was supplied.