Published Paper Details:

The primary goal of any drug delivery system is to administer the medication within a predetermined timeframe and to ensure that a therapeutic dose reaches the intended site of action. Mucoadhesive drug delivery represents a significant advancement in drug delivery systems. These dosage forms are designed to extend the duration of drug contact with mucosal surfaces, leading to benefits such as prolonged residence time, rapid onset of action, enhanced bioavailability, avoidance of hepatic first-pass metabolism, and controlled drug release rates. Mucoadhesive drug delivery can be employed through various routes including buccal, oral, nasal, ocular, gastrointestinal, vaginal, and rectal routes. In this system, the drug adheres to the mucosal epithelial surface upon contact with the mucous layer, facilitated by interfacial forces. Mucoadhesion refers to the mechanism by which two materials are bound together for a specific duration via attractive forces between biological materials and mucous membranes. This review article comprehensively discusses mucoadhesion, encompassing various theories, mechanisms, factors influencing, evaluations, and different forms of mucoadhesive dosage.