Oral mucosal drug delivery

Question 1

Define: Buccal, Sublingual and gingival drug delivery

Answer 1

• Buccal - lining of the cheeks (buccal mucosa)
• Sublingual - floor or the mouth
• Gingiva - gums

Question 2

Describe the layers of the oral epithelium

Answer 2

• Kerantinised epithelium - dehydrated, tough, found in areas subjected to mechanical stress (gingiva and roof of the mouth)
• Non-keratinised epithelium - flexible, found on lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth

Question 3

How much saliva is secreted per day

Answer 3

0.5-1.5L

Question 4

Saliva pH

Answer 4

6.2-7.4

Question 5

Functions of saliva

Answer 5

• Lubrication
• Digestion - amalyse breaks down food
• Protection (lysozyme break down lyse bacteria)
• Speech

Question 6

Differences between buccal and sublingual drug delivery
- Which has higher permeability
- Which has faster absorption

Answer 6

Question 7

Factors which enhance a drugs likelyhood to penetrate epithelium in oral mucosal

Answer 7

• Low molecular weight
• Be soluble in both aqueous salivary fluid and lipid membrane barrier
• Unionised
• Drug shouldnt bind strongly to the oral mucosa

Question 8

Route of mucosal oral drug

Answer 8

Question 9

Formulation for delivery of oral mucosa

Answer 9

Question 10

Advantages of oral mucosal drugs

Answer 10

Allows avoiding exposure of drugs to the gastrointestinal system
Bypassing the liver
Direct access to the systemic circulation
Rapid absorption possible
Ease of administration and termination

Question 11

Disadvantages

Answer 11

Relatively small absorptive surface area (0.01 m2 vs 100 m2 for GIT)
Less permeable than the small intestine
Salivation
Taste of the drug
Movement affects mucoadhesive systems
Patients have to avoid swallowing the formulation