Abstract

In research and development (R & D) sector, scientific and technical developments are ready for the expansion of oral drug delivery systems. The medicated chewing gum (MCG) takes accumulative approval as a drug delivery system in pharmaceutical as well as clinical fields. It offers advantages both for (a) local treatment and (b) systemic effect after absorption through the buccal, sublingual mucosal and from the gastrointestinal tract as comparison to conventional oral mucosal and oral dosage forms. It mainly consists of active substances and a gum core, which is mainly composed of an insoluble gum base, sweetener, antioxidants, softeners and flavouring agents. Today improved technologies have made it possible to develop and manufacture MCG with predefined properties. A large number of marketed formulations are available for prevention of caries, xerostomia alleviation, and vitamin/ mineral supplementation etc. In this review article, we discussed the unique characteristics and their applications of MCG formulation in different fields to control and treat the disease by sustained release of drug/ bioactive molecules. Finally, in upcoming years, we may realize that the MCG formulation place preference to other delivery systems to distribute the drugs locally.

Keywords: Elastomer, medicated chewing gum, patient compliance, sustained drug delivery.