NASOADHESIVE DRUG DELIVERY: A REVIEW

Nasal route has been demonstrated as being a possible alternative to the intravenous route for the systemic delivery of drugs. It has been demonstrated that low absorption of drugs can be enhanced by using absorption enhancers or increasing the drug residence time in the nasal cavity, by using mucoadhesive polymers, which serve both functions. The factors that influence mucoadhesiveness of a polymer include physiological factors polymer related factors and environmental factors are briefly discussed in present review. Applications of nasoadhesive drug delivery of small organic molecules, antibiotics, proteins, and vaccines are discussed. Furthermore, nasal dosage forms and their effect on drug delivery also discussed.