mucoadhesive dosage forms.

Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems interact with the mucus layer covering the mucosal epithelial surface, and mucin molecules and increase the residence time of the dosage form at the site of absorption. The drugs which have local action or those which have maximum absorption in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) require increased duration of stay in GIT. Thus, mucoadhesive dosage forms are advantageous in increasing the drug plasma concentrations and also therapeutic activity. In this regard, this review covers the areas of mechanisms, polymers used in mucoadhesion, factors influencing the mucoadhesive and also various mucoadhesive dosage forms. Keywords: Mucoadhesion, theories, mucoadhesive dosage forms.