Author & Research Contributor
Published in 2026 | VOLUME 03, AUGUST ISSUE 08Ondansetron is a widely used antiemetic drug for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced, radiotherapy-induced, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, its oral administration is associated with limitations such as first-pass hepatic metabolism, gastrointestinal degradation, and reduced effectiveness in patients experiencing nausea, vomiting, or swallowing difficulties Buccal drug delivery offers a promising alternative route by enabling direct absorption of the drug through the buccal mucosa into the systemic circulation, thereby bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism and improving bioavailability. The present review focuses on the development and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal tablets of ondansetron as an effective drug delivery system. The anatomy and physiology of the buccal mucosa, including its structure, permeability, blood supply, and the role of saliva, are discussed in relation to drug absorption.Special emphasis is placed on the concept of mucoadhesion, its mechanisms, theories, and the role of various mucoadhesive polymers such as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Carbopol, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Sodium CMC), Sodium Alginate, and Chitosan in enhancing residence time and drug release The review also highlights different buccal dosage forms, methods of preparation, formulation components, and evaluation parameters including pre-compression studies, post-compression characteristics, mucoadhesive strength, swelling index, drug content uniformity, ex-vivo residence time, and in-vitro drug release studies Furthermore, the applications of mucoadhesive buccal tablets in paediatric and geriatric patients, emergency antiemetic therapy, and patients with dysphagia are explored. Future prospects involving permeation enhancers, patient-centered formulation design, and regulatory considerations are also discussed. Overall, mucoadhesive buccal tablets of ondansetron represent a promising and patient-friendly drug delivery approach capable of improving therapeutic efficacy, enhancing bioavailability, and providing rapid onset of antiemetic action. The continued advancement of buccal drug delivery technology may contribute significantly to the development of more effective and convenient antiemetic therapies.
Buccal drug delivery; Mucoadhesion; Ondansetron; Bioadhesive polymers; First-pass metabolism; Controlled release; Antiemetic.