Author(s):
Rishikesh Yadav, Lata Choudhary, Yogesh Pounikar, Satish Sahu, Suman Kumar Rathore
Email(s):
yadavrishikeshcg@gmail.com , sumanpharm123@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2231-5713.2026.00051 
Address:
Rishikesh Yadav1, Lata Choudhary2, Yogesh Pounikar3, Satish Sahu4, Suman Kumar Rathore5*
1,2,3,4J.K. College of Pharmacy, Near Gatota Railway Station, Bilaspur (C.G), India.
5J.K. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Gatora Railway Station, Bilaspur (C.G), India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 4,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Buccal bioadhesive films represent an important mucoadhesive platform for improving systemic exposure of drugs that undergo extensive gastrointestinal degradation or hepatic first-pass metabolism. Conventional oral dosage forms remain the dominant route of drug administration because they are convenient, economical and familiar to patients; however, for high-extraction drugs such as propranolol hydrochloride, oral dosing can produce low and variable bioavailability, fluctuations in plasma concentration and the need for repeated administration. The buccal route offers a rational alternative because the mucosa is accessible, relatively immobile compared with the sublingual region, richly vascularized and capable of draining absorbed drug into the systemic circulation without initial passage through the portal-hepatic pathway. This review discusses the biological basis of buccal absorption, the mechanisms of mucoadhesion, polymer selection, film-forming technologies, permeation enhancement strategies and evaluation parameters relevant to buccal bioadhesive films. Particular emphasis is placed on first-pass metabolized drugs and propranolol hydrochloride as a representative model drug because its molecular weight, solubility, lipophilicity and pharmacokinetic limitations make it a suitable candidate for controlled buccal delivery. The review also summarizes formulation variables such as HPMC, Carbopol, chitosan, PVA, plasticizers and permeation enhancers; evaluation tests including thickness, weight variation, surface pH, folding endurance, tensile strength, swelling, drug content, in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, mucoadhesion and stability; and translational issues such as taste masking, mucosal safety, patient acceptability, scale-up and regulatory expectations. Overall, buccal bioadhesive films have significant potential to reduce dose-related variability and improve therapeutic performance, but successful development requires careful balancing of adhesion, flexibility, hydration, drug release and mucosal permeability.
Cite this article:
Rishikesh Yadav, Lata Choudhary, Yogesh Pounikar, Satish Sahu, Suman Kumar Rathore. Design and Evaluation of Buccal Bioadhesive Films for Improved Bioavailability of a First-Pass Metabolized Drug: A Review. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026; 16(4):361-8. doi: 10.52711/2231-5713.2026.00051
Cite(Electronic):
Rishikesh Yadav, Lata Choudhary, Yogesh Pounikar, Satish Sahu, Suman Kumar Rathore. Design and Evaluation of Buccal Bioadhesive Films for Improved Bioavailability of a First-Pass Metabolized Drug: A Review. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026; 16(4):361-8. doi: 10.52711/2231-5713.2026.00051 Available on: https://www.ajptonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-4-6
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