A REVIEW ON BUCCAL FILM: AN INOVATIVE DOSAGE FORM

Buccal administration of drugs leads to systemic circulation through internal jugular vein, bypassing them from hepatic first pass metabolism and leading to greater bioavailability. Buccal mucosa is most preferred site for both local as well as systemic action. For administration of drug through mucosal route, various types of dosage forms can be prepared. Buccal films can release topical drugs with controlled and sustained effects. Buccal films have the advantage of improved patient compliance because of reduced size with a suitable thickness as compare to other delivery systems. Buccal film can enhance absorption of active medicament as compared to others. Synthetic natural and semi synthetic polymers in low concentration can be used for the preparation of buccal films. Such types of dosage forms are cost effective, non-irritating, easy to handle, elegant, rapidly absorbable and most preferred by consumer. The review describes the anatomy of oral mucosa, mechanism of buccal absorption, methods to increase drug delivery via a buccal route, formulation aspects and evaluation parameters of buccal films.