Published Paper Details:

Ion exchange resins (IER) are cross-linked water insoluble polymer carrying ionizable functional groups. Insoluble functional groups that contain acidic or basic functional groups and have the ability to exchange counter-ions within aqueous solutions surrounding them. Ion exchange resins are categorized as either cationic or anionic exchange resins based on the type of exchangeable ions they contain. These resins are composed of polymers with specific acidic groups like carboxylic or sulfonic for cation exchangers, and basic groups like quaternary ammonium for anion exchangers.The efficacy of ion exchange resins mainly depends upon their physical properties such as degree of exchange capacity, cross-linkage, ionization, porosity and swelling, particle size and form, purity, toxicity and equilibrium rate. Ion exchange resins (IER) have garnered significant interest among pharmaceutical scientists due to their versatile properties as carriers for drug delivery. Scientist over the last few years has revealed that IER are equally suitable for drug delivery technologies, including controlled release, transdermal, nasal, topical and taste masking. The drawback of sustained release or extended release is dose dumping, resulting in increased risk of toxicity. Ion exchange resins play a crucial role in the advancement of controlled or sustained release systems due to their effective drug retention properties and the prevention of dose dumping. Synthetic ion exchange resins have found applications in pharmacy and medicine, serving purposes such as taste masking and sustained or controlled drug release. This review addresses different types of ion exchange resin, their applications, role of IER in controlled drug delivery systems.