Buccal Films: Revolutionizing Oral Drug Delivery through Enhanced Bioavailability and Patient Compliance

Buccal films have transformed oral drug delivery, offering enhanced bioavailability, rapid absorption, and improved patient compliance. The oral cavity’s mucosal membrane presents an attractive route for systemic and local therapy, leveraging the ease of administration and patient-centric benefits of oro-mucosal drug delivery. This comprehensive review discusses – Benefits and drawbacks of buccal drug delivery, Anatomical and physiological aspects of oral mucosa, In vitro techniques for examining buccal drug delivery systems, Key excipients are highlighted, including- Polymers for controlled release, Permeation enhancers for improved absorption, Carriers for targeted drug delivery. The review also explores- Manufacturing technologies: solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, and 3D printing, Future challenges and opportunities in buccal film development, Historical context and current commercial marketplace. By addressing the complexities of buccal drug delivery, this review provides a roadmap for researchers, clinicians, and industry experts, underscoring the transformative potential of buccal films.