Pranali Jadhav*
Vikram Garale
Adesh Ghanwat
Vaibhav Gunjvate
Sushma Garud
Bhagyesh Janugade
The development of efficient drug delivery systems has become a fundamental aspect of modern pharmaceutical research, aiming to optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Conventional routes of drug administration, particularly oral delivery, remain the most widely utilized due to their convenience and patient acceptance. However, oral drug delivery is often associated with several limitations, including variable gastrointestinal absorption, enzymatic degradation, and extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism, which significantly reduce the bioavailability of many therapeutic agents [1]. These challenges have prompted the exploration of alternative delivery routes, among which transmucosal drug delivery has gained considerable attention. Transmucosal routes, including buccal, sublingual, nasal, and rectal pathways, offer distinct advantages by enabling direct drug absorption into the systemic circulation, thereby bypassing hepatic metabolism and providing rapid onset of action [2]. Among these, the buccal route has emerged as a particularly promising approach due to its accessibility, relatively large surface area, and rich vascularization. The buccal mucosa, lining the inner cheek, provides a favorable environment for drug absorption, characterized by a non-keratinized epithelium and moderate permeability that allows both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs to permeate under suitable conditions [3]. Buccal drug delivery systems are designed to facilitate the retention of the drug formulation in the buccal cavity for a sufficient duration, enabling controlled and efficient drug absorption. Various dosage forms, such as buccal tablets, films, gels, and patches, have been developed to exploit this route [4]. In recent years, buccal spray formulations have emerged as an innovative and patient-centric dosage form, offering several advantages over traditional systems. These sprays enable rapid drug administration without the need for water, provide accurate dosing, and ensure uniform drug distribution across the buccal mucosa [5]. The growing interest in buccal sprays is driven by advancements in formulation technologies, including the use of mucoadhesive polymers, permeation enhancers, and nanocarrier systems that improve drug residence time and absorption efficiency [6]. Additionally, the integration of sophisticated spray devices has further enhanced the precision and reproducibility of drug delivery. Buccal sprays are particularly beneficial in clinical conditions requiring rapid therapeutic action, such as pain management, cardiovascular emergencies, and central nervous system disorders [7]. Despite their promising potential, buccal spray formulations face several formulation and physiological challenges, including limited drug loading capacity, salivary dilution, and variability in mucosal permeability. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of buccal physiology, drug transport mechanisms, and formulation design principles [8]. Therefore, this review aims to provide a detailed overview of innovative buccal spray formulations, focusing on their design, development, evaluation, and therapeutic applications, along with recent advancements and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field.
10.5281/zenodo.19393782