<unk>  uses a dissolving<unk>  or oral<unk>  strip to administer<unk> s via absorption in the mouth (buccally or sublingually) and/or via the small intestines (enterically). A<unk>  is prepared using hydrophilic polymers that rapidly dissolves on the tongue or buccal cavity, delivering the<unk>  to the systemic circulation via dissolution when contact with liquid is made. Zuplenz 8 mg (approved by FDA, July 7, 2010). Photo courtesy of Aquestive Therapeutics (formerly MonoSol Rx).<unk>  has emerged as an advanced alternative to the traditional tablets, capsules and liquids often associated with prescription and OTC medications. Similar in size, shape and thickness to a postage stamp,<unk> -film strips are typically designed for oral administration, with the user placing the strip on or under the tongue (sublingual) or along the inside of the cheek (buccal). These<unk>  delivery options allow the medication to bypass the first pass metabolism thereby making the medication more bioavailable. As the strip dissolves, the<unk>  can enter the blood stream enterically, buccally or sublingually. Evaluating the systemic transmucosal<unk>  delivery, the buccal mucosa is the preferred region as compared to the sublingual mucosa. Different buccal delivery products have been marketed or are proposed for certain diseases like trigeminal neuralgia, Meniere's disease, diabetes, and addiction. There are many commercial non-drug product to use<unk> <unk> s like Mr. Mint and Listerine PocketPaks breath freshening strips. Since then,<unk> -film products for other breath fresheners, as well as a number of cold, flu, anti-snoring and gastrointestinal medications, have entered the marketplace. There are currently several projects in development that will deliver prescription<unk> s using the<unk> -film dosage form. Formulation of oral<unk>  strips involves the application of both aesthetic and performance characteristics such as strip-forming polymers, plasticizers, active pharmaceutical ingredient, sweetening agents, saliva stimulating agent, flavoring agents, coloring agents, stabilizing and thickening agents. From the regulatory perspectives, all excipients used in the formulation of oral<unk>  strips should be approved for use in oral pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Thin-film drug delivery
Topical drug delivery system
Surgical lubricant
Antimicrobial nanotechnology
Targeted drug delivery
Suprachoroidal drug delivery
Skin disinfection
Topical anesthetic