Advances in Buccal Film Technology: A Modern Drug Delivery Approach

Buccal films represent an innovative drug delivery technology designed to meet essential requirements for effective administration via the buccal route. These films are compact, low in dose, and easy to administer, making them more user-friendly and preferable compared to other buccal drug delivery formats such as wafers, lozenges, microparticles, gels, or tablets. One of the primary benefits of oral films is their ability to bypass first-pass metabolism, leading to improved drug bioavailability. They also effectively mask unpleasant drug flavors and eliminate the need for water during administration. The buccal mucosa, with its rich blood supply and high permeability, serves as an excellent site for both local and systemic drug delivery. When placed on the tongue, the buccal film rapidly absorbs moisture from saliva, hydrating and adhering to the application site for effective drug release. This review explores the advantages, manufacturing techniques, evaluation criteria, and formulation approaches associated with buccal films. Given their benefits, buccal film delivery systems have significant potential as a prominent dosage form in future pharmaceutical and healthcare applications.