Oral Gels in Drug Delivery: A Patient-Friendly Approach to Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy

The aim of this review is to explore and evaluate oral gel formulations, utilizing both natural and synthetic polymers. Oral gels serve as effective drug delivery systems due to their ability to provide precise drug release, enhanced stability, and local therapeutic effects. Various physicochemical parameters of oral gels that influence their properties are discussed. Oral gels are evaluated for their gelling capacity, mechanical strength, bio-adhesion, spread-ability, microbiological safety, and in vitro drug release profiles. The analysis suggests that oral gel formulations offer a promising approach for local treatment in the oral cavity, improving drug bioavailability and enabling rapid action at the target site. They also reduce systemic side effects and avoid challenges related to gastrointestinal degradation or first-pass metabolism. Oral gels thus represent a safe, effective, and patient-friendly dosage form for managing oral conditions and delivering therapeutic agents efficiently. Further research is needed to optimize formulation strategies and fully understand the mechanisms of drug release and action in the oral cavity.