Fast-dissolving intra-oral drug delivery systems

Background: Fast-dissolving delivery systems address the needs of populations requiring special attention, such as paediatric and geriatric patients. Difficulty in swallowing medicines is often encountered by these patients, leading to non-compliance with medication. This results in ineffective treatment. Fast-dissolving delivery systems, besides overcoming these difficulties, offer additional advantages such as more rapid drug absorption, extension of patent life of existing drugs, elimination of the need for water, and increased ease of taking medicines while travelling and for patients with restricted water intake. Objective: To review researchers, companies and institutions involved in fast-dissolving tablet technology to understand the unique pharmacotherapeutic need of relevant age groups and to encourage development of new fast-dissolving systems for existing drugs. Method: A detailed analysis of prominent research in this field is presented, giving special emphasis to patented activities and developments anticipated in the near future. Conclusion: Freeze-drying remains at the apex of fast-dissolving tablet technologies, but new-generation technologies involving compaction methods can produce robust, versatile tablets with exceptional qualities, extending the application of this dosage form.