Comparative Analysis of Mucoadhesive Patches and Oral Disintegrating Films for Buccal Drug Delivery

Buccal drug delivery systems, namely mucoadhesive patches and oral disintegrating films (ODFs), have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional oral administration, offering distinct advantages for both localized and systemic therapies. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of these two systems, meticulously examining their respective mechanisms of action, polymer selection, drug release profiles, and diverse therapeutic applications. Mucoadhesive patches, leveraging the principles of bioadhesion, facilitate sustained drug release through prolonged mucosal adhesion, ensuring consistent therapeutic levels over extended periods. Conversely, ODFs, engineered for rapid disintegration, enable swift drug delivery via fast dissolution upon contact with saliva, catering to immediate therapeutic needs. The choice between these systems is contingent upon a confluence of factors, including the desired therapeutic outcome, drug physicochemical properties, and specific patient needs, such as ease of administration and compliance. Future perspectives underscore the transformative potential of integrating biologics, smart materials, personalized pharmacokinetics, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, promising to revolutionize buccal drug delivery by enhancing efficacy, safety, and patient-centric care.